This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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NHS Dumfries and Galloway annual review
20/06/2005
A state of the art decontamination unit at Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary was under the microscope ahead of the board's annual review today.
Health Minister Andy Kerr visited the award-winning unit which is the first new build facility specifically built to meet new decontamination requirements for hospital equipment.
Commenting on the his visit to the Central Sterile Supplies Department, Mr Kerr said:
"This is a fantastic innovation that has been delivered by NHS Dumfries and Galloway.
"This ground-breaking facility has utilised pioneering engineering and design innovation. This has meant that technical requirement not only has been met but surpassed. It has also provided a pleasant working environment for staff.
"Everyone involved in the project should be very proud of the unique unit they have developed.
"The unit provides a high quality sterile service for the people of Dumfries and Galloway."
Commenting on NHS Dumfires and Galloway's review, Mr Kerr said:
"The annual reviews will highlight success and give credit where credit is due. But I also want to use these reviews to scrutinise local performance and drive forward further improvement.
"I believe that NHS Dumfries and Galloway can build on its previous success and further improve services and reduce waiting times for patients in their area.
"I want to see an NHS which is better, quicker, closer and safer. These reviews will help us deliver that."
The annual reviews will cover key areas such as: activity and efficiency, waiting times, regional planning, public involvement, finance and future plans.
The decontamination unit was opened in 2004 and won a national award from the Engineering and Technology Advisory Board.