Health / Health board aware of storage limitations at hospital
INCREASED storage space for equipment will be factored into any new hospital in Shetland, according to the health board.
It comes after councillor Robbie McGregor said Lerwick’s Gilbert Bain Hospital was “well past its sell by date” following a seven-week stay there.
The 77-year-old said there appeared to be a lack of storage space for medical equipment, which sometimes made it difficult to be wheeled around corridors.
However the Shetland South member – who is on the mend back home after suffering a stroke – was full of praise for staff and his quality of care.
It comes as NHS Shetland considers a replacement for the ageing Gilbert Bain, although the process is in its very early stages.
In response, NHS Shetland’s head of estates, facilities and medical physics Lawson Bisset said increased storage will be factored into plans for any new hospital.
“We are always grateful to receive praise for our staff because they are a credit to the board and we know how hard they work to maintain the high standards we have at the Gilbert Bain Hospital,” he said.
“However, we are aware of the current size limitations due to the age of the building as the original designs did not allow for the extent of medical equipment and associated storage that is currently available for patients today.
“This situation has been further compounded by the implications of Covid and the need for increased clinical space.
“As we plan for the future, an increased storage allocation will be one of the accommodation briefing requirements within any new development.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
