A&E boost for hospital

The A&E replaces the one at Castle Street

A new £1m accident and emergency department has opened its doors at one of Scotland's biggest hospitals.

The North Glasgow NHS Trust unveiled the new facilities in Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

The department, based within the hospital's Jubilee Building, replaces the existing facility at Castle Street.

The new purpose-built A&E department has been completely re-equipped, and has been welcomed by one consultant as the "start of a new era".

This should mark the start of a new era of emergency care at Glasgow Royal Infirmary

Alistair Ireland
A&E consultant

It includes treatment rooms for patients with major injuries, a separate minor injuries unit and a resuscitation unit with six bays.

There are also two x-ray facilities and a patient cleaning room for treating patients at risk of chemical contamination.

The new department, which has a 24-hour CCTV system, has been designed with security doors to ensure maximum safety for staff and patients.

Security staff will be supported by a permanent police presence at peak times and all staff have been equipped with personal alarms.

The A&E department is one of a number of services being moved into the new Jubilee Building.

A coronary care unit with 14 beds and an acute medical unit with 40 beds will also be transfered.

Alistair Ireland, consultant in A&E medicine, said: "It's very exciting, finally, to see years of planning coming to fruition.

"This should mark the start of a new era of emergency care at Glasgow Royal Infirmary."