Hansard

I am always happy to consider issues that members raise. In Ayrshire and Arran in particular we see many good examples of partnership working between the national health service and local authorities. I understand that the new unit is intended to house administrative and executive staff. Relocating them from their current location will release a capital asset, given the lease that will expire. The new building—a modular unit at Ailsa hospital with a life expectancy of 50 years—will be a modern suite of office accommodation. I have managed to ascertain that it looks like a reasonable investment to make, but I will seek to consider whether opportunities might have been missed to work in partnership with other public sector organisations, such as local authorities, and how that might affect regeneration activities. We are always keen to have partnership working, but we must also ensure that we look after our national health service in a way that allows staff to continue working in good accommodation.