NHS staff will see their months of careful plan- ning and preparation come to fruition over the weekend as they transfer patients and services to the new state-of-the-art Garroch Loaning building.
The four day switch over has been organised down to the smallest de- tail and health bosses are confident of a safe and smooth transfer, which will be carried out in partnership with the Scottish Ambulance Service, the local council, police and fire services and a removal company.
And moving teams have issued a plea to townsfolk try and avoid the St Michael Street and Pleasance Avenue area over the next few days to stop traffic build up.
Meanwhile, teams across all departments are looking forward to working in the new 344 single-room ensuite facility that includes a combined assessment unit, theatre complex, critical care unit, women’s and children’s unit and out-patients department.
Chief executive Jeff Ace said: “The new Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary has been the biggest undertaking in the history of the health board and many people have been working for several years in the build up to this one weekend.
“We’ve planned thoroughly for a successful transfer of services into the new hospital and we are looking forward to welcoming patients. Transfer of staff and patients on this scale, particularly in winter weather, is a hugely com- plex undertaking.
“The process will com- mence this morning and be complete by Monday to ensure a smooth con- tinuity of service.
“Delivering a mod- ern, patient centred and highly ef cient en- vironment is central to the overall reshaping of health services across Dumfries and Galloway.”
However a yellow weather warning for snow and ice has been issued by the Met Office for the region, from Friday morning until 6 pm on Saturday night.
But a spokeswoman for DGRI yesterday said they are confident they are well prepared, regardless of weather woes.
She said: “In preparation for the hospital migration we have held several exercises which have included scenarios and how we would respond to these.
“These scenarios have included various elements of adverse weather, including snow and heavy rain. In the run up to the migration we have received regular updates regarding the weather to inform our multi-agency prepared- ness for the move.
“As a result, we are con- fident that we are well prepared for any of these eventualities and anticipate minimal impact on the hospital migration should the weather deteriorate through this weekend.”
