A contract has been awarded to decommission Scotland’s temporary virus hospital when virus levels are “under control”.

Glasgow’s NHS Louisa Jordan, which has cost £43m, was not needed to treat covid-19 patients and is now being used to help catch up with procedures postponed due to coronavirus.

Since the end of July around 3,000 patients have been seen for consultations in areas including orthopaedics, plastic surgery and dermatology.

The Scottish government says it is scaling up CT scans and x-ray services at the hospital, with goal of seeing 2000 patients per week by mid-October.

Now advisors have been appointed to support the decommissioning of the site, where the lease is set to expire in April 2021.

A government spokesperson said this would only take place if virus levels are under control.

Engineering firm Aecom will be paid £430,000 for the work, according to the contract notice published online.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “NHS Louisa Jordan is currently committed to supporting NHS remobilisation, patient care, and education.

“We have extended the lease at the SEC until the end of April 2021 to ensure we can cope with any increase in cases and continue to deliver non-covid healthcare.

“This forward planning means that as we manage the virus’ spread, we can decommission the Louisa Jordan when we feel the time is right.

“If the hospital is required beyond April 2021 then we would seek to agree a further extension.” 

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