A Dundee MSP has said it may be time to start planning for a replacement for Ninewells Hospital
Labour’s Jenny Marra asked if the hospital, which opened in 1974, was nearing the end of its lifespan as she quizzed health secretary Jeanne Freeman during NHS Tayside’s annual review.
The issue arose after it emerged Ninewells needs a £12 million upgrade to its electricity supply.
She said: “As Dundonians, most of us think of Ninewells as a new hospital, but it’s not.
“Is there more work that needs to be done to bring Ninewells up to standard and is the cabinet secretary considering a new hospital for Dundee?”
Ms Freeman, who was chairing the meeting, said proposals for a new hospital would have to be put to the Scottish Government by NHS Tayside if it concluded there was a need.
However, she said the focus for health boards should always be on the best way to deliver patient care.
“The buildings and infrastructure come second to that.. but we’ll see,” she said.
NHS Tayside interim chairman John Brown said the board was currently auditing its assets, including hospitals, in order to ensure they deliver the best care for patients.
However, he said there was no immediate need to begin planning a replacement for Ninewells.
Mr Brown said: “You always have to plan to keep your estate fit for purpose and, to some extent, you need to future proof it.
“But I don’t think a hospital is like a car where it needs a new engine. If you look at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, we’ve built new parts that have added to it.
“It’s about maximising what we’ve got, which will require a degree of investment.”
He said he was focused on stabilising NHS Tayside’s finances and improving its performance over the next three years.
While the health board’s A&E department is the best in the country, Mr Brown told the annual review there is still work to be done to improve services such as mental health.
Ms Freeman said she was confident NHS Tayside, which has required millions of pounds in government bailouts over recent years, was now on the road to financial recovery.
She said: “I think they are outlining exactly the right approach they can take. They can evidence some steps towards that.”
Speaking after the meeting Ms Marra said: “We’ve got the situation where NHS Tayside are to go the Scottish Government for £12 million for the electricity supply but does there need to be an overall appraisal of the building?
“It has served the people of Tayside well for the last 50 years but it is my understanding that there are problems in terms of infrastructure.
“I look forward to the publication of the report on NHS Tayside assets and hope there is a full appraisal of the site to see if it is fit for purpose. If Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen can get investment for new hospitals, why not Dundee?”
