THE Golden Jubilee will soon have the capacity to carry out 21,000 cataract procedures per year.

By summer 2020, the new eye centre will be open.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman visited the site recently to see how the building is taking shape.

As part of the Scottish Elective Centres’ Programme, the development represents the first phase of the hospital’s expansion plans.

Currently under construction by principal supply chain partner Kier, it will have six theatres and an integrated outpatient department.

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Jann Gardner, chief executive of NHS Golden Jubilee, said: “At a time where we need to meet the needs of a growing and increasingly elderly population, by combining our new facility with our evidenced improved patient experience, we will be able to provide sustainable services in this high demand speciality.

“This means even more patients will be treated faster, providing an improved quality of life for thousands of people every year.”

Ms Freeman added: “The Golden Jubilee Eye Centre forms part of one of the elective and diagnostic centres that are being established across Scotland. This network will allow people to be treated more quickly for planned surgery, taking pressure off the other parts of the system that deal with unplanned and emergency treatment. This fantastic new facility will make a real difference to patients across Scotland when it opens next year.

“We have been clear that any patient waiting too long for treatment is unacceptable – and we have taken action to address this, including publishing our Waiting Times Improvement Plan.

“Backed by investment of £850million, this will substantially and sustainably improve waiting times by spring 2021.”