Architect David’s pioneering legacy

Mar 6 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PIONEERING acute care facilities at a Perth hospital were yesterday acclaimed as a lasting memorial to their tragic designer.

Visionary architect David Jameson died two years ago, shortly after completing his blueprint for NHS Tayside’s £4million renal dialysis, haematology and oncology day unit, which formally opened its doors this week.

Mr Jameson, who had no children, received dialysis treatment for eight years at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee before his death, aged 36, in 2007.

The designer’s father, former Dundee University research chemist Reg Jameson, and his colleague Mike Rogers of LJR+H Architects, joined Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon at the unveiling of PRI’s brand new Western Avenue premises.

To minimise the risk of crossover infections like the deadly MRSA, the building boasts a range of infection- control measures, including separate doors and corridors for patients and doctors, automatic sensor taps at sinks, disposable curtains and isolation rooms.

Yesterday, a clearly-emotional Mr Jameson Snr paid a glowing tribute to the selfless architect, revealing his son had doubted he would live to see the unit’s completion.

“This is a fine legacy, but I would rather David was still here,” he told the PA.

“He felt strongly that too many architects did not ever experience dialysis and therefore did not design wards properly.

“David knew for a long time what was happening to him and he was determined to make life easier for other patients.”

The unit’s completion means patients with renal failure can receive dialysis in Perth for the first time after previously being forced to travel to Ninewells.

Health chiefs also insist access to day case chemotherapy and supportive therapies for patients across Perthshire has been vastly improved, enhancing their quality of life.

The joint development’s senior haematology and oncology charge nurse Susan Thomson said a six-member staff team had responsibility for treating up to 70 patients a week.

“The number of patients we can see will gradually increase as we start to do more oncology work.

“We also have facilities to run out-patient clinics on site as well, and about 80 patients a week come for consultations.”

The 12-station renal dialysis unit, which has been in use since October, can treat a maximum of 48 patients with renal failure three times per week.

Such is the emphasis on comfort that patients can watch television, a DVD or listen to music while they are being treated.

Retired Dunning ironmonger Bob Cromb (71), who is chairman of the Tayside Cancer Network Patients Forum, was one of a handful of residents involved in the unit’s patient design group.

To help shape their priorities, members visited renal units elsewhere in Scotland, including Livingston’s St John’s Hospital, which also combines an out-patient clinic and chemotherapy facilities under one roof.

“It’s good to see this superb new facility,” said Mr Cromb, a former councillor for the Craig-Rossie ward. “This is what we hoped for and it is great for local folk not having to travel.

“The other good thing for patients is we now have a bus service between PRI and Ninewells.”

David Hutcheson, managing director of business continuity consultancy Glen Abbot Ltd, donated £5500 to the unit’s fund-raising campaign after completing a 100km sponsored walk in the Grand Canyon.

Mr Hutcheson, who receives treatment for leukaemia at PRI, said the new wing was a massive boost for patients.

“The old ward was cramped and it wasn’t nice to be in for a long time,” he said.

“The emphasis is on space and comfort in here.

“If you have to be in hospital for a while, this is where you would want to be.”

The unit’s other benefactors included Glenfarg-based environmental specialists Binn Farms, which raised £10,000 by holding a charity ball.

NHS Tayside chairman Sandy Watson described the opening as “a significant occasion for PRI”.

“Our £4million expenditure here makes a total investment of almost £50million in PRI in recent years, underscoring NHS Tayside’s commitment to the hospital,” he said.

“These additions have made a real difference to the quality of life for many patients who have to travel up to Ninewells for life-saving treatment such as kidney failure and chemotherapy.

“The Government’s Better Health Better Care action plan seeks to improve service provision so that people can receive their treatment closer to home and the new unit is a shining example of this.”

Perthshire resident John Sheddon (64), one of the first patients to be dialysed in the new unit, was also full of praise.

“Travelling to and from Dundee three times per week really takes it toll,” he said.

“Having the new unit in Perth means a much shorter treatment day for me.

“I can also manage to drive myself in or use public transport, rather than be reliant on an ambulance.”