Sturgeon opens short-stay surgery unit

A NEW short-stay surgery unit in West Lothian will help patients from across the Lothians who need brief but significant procedures.

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon opened the elective surgical centre at St John's Hospital in Livingston this week.

The 8.2 million addition is aimed at patients who do not need to stay overnight for surgery, and should allow people to spend less time in hospital, easing pressure on beds.

NHS Lothian now wants patients from across the area to benefit from the investment.

Project manager Didi Welsh said: "Officially opening the new centre is the culmination of many years' hard work and I am delighted to see it open.

"Creating the new purpose-built facility has allowed us to centralise most of our day surgery specialties in one location and to offer more treatment to patients who are undergoing minor surgical procedures."