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Re-opening of modernised hospital
16/06/2008
Buckhaven's modernised Randolph Wemyss Memorial Hospital was formally opened by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon today.
A £4.45 million upgrade and refurbishment of the hospital has just been completed and provides a range of new services including a men's health clinic, sexual health clinic, a Maggie's Centre outreach facility and integrated paediatric services.
Ms Sturgeon said:
"Randolph Wemyss Memorial Hospital will celebrate its centenary next year - yet the services it provides for the local community are just as valued today as they were 100 years ago.
"However, the services provided are very different and are designed to meet the needs of today's patients. These include men's health and sexual health clinics and a Maggie's Centre outreach facility which I'm sure will be a real asset for local cancer sufferers.
"It is also great that medical students are able to get a greater understanding about community healthcare issues thanks to the hospital's education centre. This will equip them with additional skills and understanding which will help them in their future careers."
Professor Jim McGoldrick, Chair of NHS Fife, said:
"We are delighted to welcome Nicola Sturgeon to the official opening of the Randolph Wemyss Memorial Hospital in Buckhaven. The modernisation of the hospital will greatly benefit patients in the Levenmouth area by providing easier access to local services."
The Randolph Wemyss Memorial Hospital originally opened in 1909 and was extended in the 1960s. In the 1990s, general surgery services were transferred to the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy and the latest modernisation was undertaken following a full review of services in 2002-04.
The hospital also has close links with St Andrews University through its Education Centre, which offers medical students training in a range of community healthcare issues.
The Cabinet Secretary attended today's opening ceremony before chairing the NHS Fife Annual Review, the second of this year's annual reviews of Scotland's 23 NHS boards.
Commenting on the NHS Fife Annual Review, Ms Sturgeon said:
"Holding those who manage our NHS boards to account in public is the right thing to do, both to give credit where it's due, but also to tackle tough issues and drive forward improvements.
"At this year's annual reviews extra time has been allocated to allow additional questions from members of the public attending the review.
"These meetings are a chance to question key decision-makers, who are shaping the way health services are delivered across Scotland. I hope people will take the opportunity to attend and ask questions about their health service."