The opening of a new state-of-the art cancer centre in Scotland has been hailed as a major step forward in the fight against the disease.
First Minister Alex Salmond praised the £115m Beatson West of Scotland cancer centre at Gartnavel General Hospital in Glasgow after touring the wards with health secretary Nicola Sturgeon.
After opening the centre he admitted his impressions of the building had exceeded expectations.
“Scotland’s fight against cancer is led by a dedicated NHS workforce, cutting edge technology, and ground-breaking clinical research”, the First Minister said.
“The Beatson’s greatest strength is its ability to bring all these things together under one roof to ensure people get the outstanding healthcare and support they need and when they most need it.”
The new Beatson is the lead centre for delivering non-surgical cancer care across the west of Scotland, with nearly 9,000 new patients passing through its doors each year.
NHS Greater Glasgow chairman Andrew Robertson described the new centre as a “gold standard” facility.
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