EXCLUSIVE: Forth News gets look inside new Sick Kids hospital

Forth News has been getting an exclusive look inside the new Sick Kids hospital at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

The £150m building has been handed over the NHS Lothian today and is now due to open on July 15.

The building was originally due to be completed in 2012, but a string of issues including drainage problems have led to delay after delay.

Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive, said:

“We are delighted to be moving in the summer. It has taken hard work from a great many people to get to this stage and I am thrilled that we now have possession of the building and can begin to make it ready to receive its first patients.

“It has undeniably been a long road but we have been very clear from the outset that we wanted the best facility possible for patients, families and staff and that is what they shall get. Huge thanks go to everyone for their extraordinary patience and commitment to this vision”.

During the five month commissioning period which now follows, the building with be fully kitted out to transform it into a fully functioning state of the art hospital.

Janice Mackenzie, Clinical Director on the reprovision project said: “The commissioning period is really important. Everything from furniture to sophisticated high tech equipment needs to be delivered, installed, and tested. Staff orientation and training is also a vital part of this process and they are eager to get going. It’s going to be an exciting time.