Morningside to retain Royal Edinburgh say health chiefs

Following a "masterplan" report, strong lobbying from patients' groups and the support of local residents, plans to relocate it have been scrapped.

Instead, a gradual redevelopment of the site will take place, slowly upgrading or replacing the many historic buildings on the present site.

Sources also said selling off parts of the land in the heart of one of the city's most valuable areas was a possibility, which would help finance improvements to the premises.

Green councillor for Meadows/Morningside Alison Johnstone said: "There is a fantastic relationship between the hospital and its patients, and the community and businesses in Morningside.

"It's great news for the area, because the hospital does a lot of good, and I don't think this could have been recreated elsewhere."

The future of the hospital - which has around 350 patients - has been up in the air for some time.

It has long been acknowledged that the ageing buildings are not fit-for-purpose and causing daily problems for nursing staff.

A feasibility study by NHS Lothian two years ago concluded that splitting the services between a purpose-built facility beside the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and either the Western General or St John's Hospital in Livingston was the most attractive option.

One Royal Edinburgh source told the Evening News: "This was never just argued on a sentimental basis.

"Yes, it is an attractive and privileged location, but it is known that there are health benefits provided by the hospital that would certainly not be found elsewhere."

Jackie Sansbury, chief operating officer for acute services, NHS Lothian, said: "Following the completion of a feasibility and master planning exercise, we are looking at a number of options for how we can develop services on the Royal Edinburgh Hospital site."

"This work is still at the very early stages, and we do not have any definite plans in place at this time.