First Minister opens new £68 million surgical centre in Clydebank

First Minister John Swinney has opened a new £68 million surgical centre in Clydebank.

The centre at the NHS Golden Jubilee is part of the Scottish Government's National Treatment Centre Programme and part of an expansion programme that was originally planned to be completed by 2035, but was fast-tracked due to increasing demand.

This year, the centre has already opened two orthopaedic theatres within the centre, allowing approximately 4800 planned procedures, mostly hip and knee replacements, to be carried out by March 2025.

A new dedicated endoscopy unit has also been created, increasing its capacity from three to five procedure rooms.

(Image: NHS Golden Jubilee) This year, more than 9100 endoscopy procedures, which play a vital role in diagnosing cancers and other diseases, will be carried out.

Swinney said: "We want everyone to have a positive experience of the NHS, that is why we are working hard to increase capacity, with new centres like the Golden Jubilee Surgical Centre, to deliver high quality planned care.

"I am pleased that we have been able to fast-track its completion to help us meet the increasing demand within our NHS, and in doing so will continue to tackle the long waits for procedures like endoscopies and orthopaedic surgeries.

(Image: NHS Golden Jubilee) “Centres like this are just one of the ways we are tackling waiting times in our NHS, but to ensure we can continue to deliver for the people of Scotland, Parliament must approve our Budget Bill to unlock investment to drive long-term and lasting improvements.”

Gordon James, chief executive of NHS Golden Jubilee, said: "NHS Golden Jubilee, as a national hospital, is proud to help support the demand for planned care services across Scotland.

(Image: NHS Golden Jubilee) "With additional theatres for orthopaedics and a dedicated endoscopy unit, we are set to treat thousands more patients awaiting hip and knee replacements and diagnostic procedures.

"After extensive collaboration with patients, staff, and third-sector partners, we are delighted to announce that the new centre is now open, offering exceptional care and innovative treatment options for patients across the country."