Minister marks start of work on Carstairs hospital

May 15 2008 By George Topp

CONSTRUCTION of the new State Hospital at Carstairs was marked by Shona Robison, Scottish Minister for Public Health, who cut the first sod on site.

The existing hospital is being replaced with a modern state-of-the-art £65 million complex which should be completed by 2010-11.

The new hospital is needed because of the poor physical condition of the existing buildings and legal requirements to ensure patients are treated in accommodation appropriate to their needs and in an environment that supports rehabilitation.

The State Hospital and multi-national building contractor, Skanska, have entered into a £65 million contract to rebuild Carstairs.

The rebuild forms part of national mental health policy to provide services that are appropriate and local where possible.

Speaking after the sod-cutting ceremony, the Minister said: "I'm extremely pleased to see the £65m rebuild of the State Hospital getting underway. This is a major milestone and will, ultimately, see the creation of a modern facility that's fit for purpose and fit for our times."

She went on to say: "In the future, the new State Hospital will care for a smaller number of patients, as recent times have seen the transfer of lower-risk patients to more appropriate medium secure units around Scotland.

“The overall aim will continue to be to provide specialist care that matches individual needs and levels of security. I am confident that this will be better for patients, staff and the general public."

The new State Hospital will have 140 beds for male patients requiring maximum secure care, including 12 specifically for patients with a learning disability.

Gordon Craig, chairman of the State Hospital is looking forward to seeing construction underway.

He said: "We need to move with the times to provide the level of care that patients should receive in the 21st century.

“The new hospital will also facilitate maintenance, improve efficiency, and enable the hospital to meet environmental targets.

"The new hospital is being developed entirely from a safe clinical and therapeutic perspective. Without the restrictions of current buildings, we will be able to maximise the benefits a redesigned campus can give to patients, visitors and staff."

Under the contract, Skanska will build 19,000 quare metres of new wards and facilities, as well as refurbishing a further 1500 square metres.

The operation of the hospital will continue as normal during the construction of the new building.

A hospital spokesman explained: "The construction of a new State Hospital will see a complete transformation of the site which will be more reflective of 'normal living' and will remove the feel of an institution.

"Patients will benefit from the most up-to-date treatments, equipment and technology, delivered by high quality staff in modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation.

"The State Hospital is one part of the pathway of care that should be available for those with secure-care needs. There is a national drive to provide a modern service which meets the needs of patients, protects staff and the public, and enables patients to move on from the State Hospital to more appropriate local care as they recover from their illness," she added.