The keys to the freshly completed Out-Patients Department were given to NHS Lothian on February 23 and will open to patients from March 12.

David Small, chief officer, East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “This is an exciting time for the communities of East Lothian and it marks a significant development in delivering a joined-up health and social care service through the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership.

“The new facilities will see an increase in gastroenterology, orthopaedics, urology, ear, nose and throat, in East Lothian and is introducing new services such as plastics and phototherapy. Having been shaped with the help of our patients, this project will allow our staff to continue to give safe, effective healthcare and rehabilitation.

“Throughout the extensive planning process we listened to what mattered most to people and with the invaluable input from the community, patients and their families, third sector organisations and staff we will have we can be proud of.”

The new Out-Patients Department is the first stage of a £70 million programme of works that will see a modern and purpose-built hospital developed on the existing Roodlands site in Haddington. The full programme is anticipated to be complete by early 2020.

The redevelopment of the hospital site is being undertaken in partnership with hub South East Scotland Ltd, with Morrison Construction appointed as the main contractor.

Jo Elliot, hub South East’s chair, said: “Hub South East helped drive plans for this redevelopment, so it’s fantastic to be here today as we handover the keys to the new Out-Patients Department, knowing that patients and staff will soon benefit from these modern fit-for-purpose facilities.

“The East Lothian Community Hospital is our largest project to begin construction, and the biggest Hub deal signed to date in Scotland. It’s encouraging to see it progressing on time and on budget, and we look forward to successfully delivering future phases in partnership with NHS Lothian.”

Morrison Construction operation’s director, David Wilson, said: “I am happy to be here today as we celebrate an important milestone for this much-anticipated community healthcare facility and hand over the keys to the Out-Patient’s department.

“Work on site continues to progress well with the steel frame for the next phase currently being erected for the inpatient departments and the rest of the hospital accommodation. The demolition of the old outpatient’s department will begin soon after hospital staff have relocated.”