WEDNESDAY, 17 DECEMBER, 2014

EMBARGOED UNTIL PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: 12NOON, THURSDAY, 18 DECEMBER, PHOTOBIOLOGY UNIT, LEVEL 8, NINEWELLS HOSPITAL, DUNDEE

Refurbishment of Ninewells Photobiology Unit

Patients visiting the Photobiology Unit at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee will now benefit from a new modern environment following the completion of a refurbishment programme.

The Photobiology Unit offers a national service for the investigation and treatment of patients with abnormal sunlight sensitivity. This service was first introduced in 1973 and it is available to all patients across Scotland.

NHS Tayside Chairman Sandy Watson and NHS Tayside Chief Executive Lesley McLay were welcomed to the unit by Dr Sally Ibbotson, Head of Photodiagnostic Service & Photobiology Unit and Professor Harry Moseley, Head of Scientific Services before being given a tour of the unit.

During the visit Mr Watson and Ms McLay met with patients who have been investigated and treated for light sensitivity at the unit as well as key members of staff who are involved in delivering this national service.

NHS Tayside Chairman Sandy Watson said, “The Photobiology Unit at Ninewells is providing an important service for patients with light sensitivity, not just to patients within Tayside but also from across Scotland.

“Light sensitivity can seriously impact on day-to-day activities and a range of investigations are carried out within the Photobiology Unit at Ninewells Hospital. The unit provides a comprehensive, diagnostic and therapeutic service for patients suspected of having light sensitivity.

“The refurbishment has greatly enhanced the environment for patients who attend for investigations and will hopefully make the time spent within the unit pass that bit quicker.”

Abnormal sensitivity to sunlight can have a major impact on a patient’s life, with sometimes major restrictions in lifestyle and in extreme cases patients may be housebound. The unit in Dundee offers highly specialised light testing investigations for patients across Scotland who attend for lengthy outpatient appointments involving several hours of testing which may be carried out over three to four days.

The area where the light testing investigations are carried out has not been refurbished since the service began in the early 1970s. Patient areas have been extensively refurbished to a high specification, including fitting of flat screen televisions which now means that patients can watch their favourite TV programmes whilst investigations are being undertaken.

Dr Ibbotson said, “Light sensitivity can have a major adverse effect on patients’ lives both physically and emotionally and this refurbishment has markedly improved the experience and comfort of patients whilst they undergo length investigations.”

The unit is also actively involved in the introduction of new developments in light-based treatments of national and international importance and has its own laboratory for both patient investigations and cutting edge research.

Contact:

Anna Michie

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138