Edinburgh can't wait to 2031 for eye hospital replacement

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today urged the Scottish Government to get shovels in the ground, as the Scottish Health Secretary confirmed that it could take six years to deliver a replacement for the Edinburgh Eye Pavilion.

Scottish Liberal Democrat budget negotiations secured funding for a replacement hospital in the 2025-26 Scottish Government budget. However, a parliamentary question from Mr Cole-Hamilton has now revealed that the process for delivering a replacement could take six years, more than an entire Scottish parliamentary term.

Scottish Liberal Democrats recently revealed that Health Secretary Neil Gray has not met with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists or College of Optometrists since taking up his post in February 2024 and the Scottish Government does not know how many people have sought private cataract surgery due to long NHS waiting times. Research by Scottish Liberal Democrats has also revealed that patients have waited up to three years for care.

Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

"I know from working closely with campaigners pressing for a replacement for the Edinburgh Eye Pavilion that staff can work more efficiently and effectively if they have the right facilities available.

"I was pleased to secure a commitment to replacing the Edinburgh Eye Pavilion in budget negotiations but patients should not have to wait six years to see it completed.

"We need to get shovels in the ground as soon as possible. My party will keep the pressure on the government to deliver a cutting-edge facility swiftly so that everyone waiting for eyecare can get the support they need. That’s why no matter where you live, anyone who is sick of long waits for healthcare should back the Scottish Liberal Democrats on their peach regional ballot at next year’s election.”