Thousands of NHS Highland patients received faster diagnosis and treatment last year thanks to specialist teams at NHS Golden Jubilee.
Over the last two decades, the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital has grown from undertaking 3,000 procedures in a small number of specialties to a national asset carrying out over 1 million procedures for patients from every Scottish health board.
During 2024/2025, NHS Golden Jubilee, based at Clydebank, near Glasgow, has supported NHS Highland by delivering over 2500 procedures in specialities such as hip and knee replacements, cataracts, and diagnostic imaging and ultrasound scans.
This has provided patients with faster diagnoses and quicker access to treatment.
NHS Golden Jubilee is also home to one of the UK’s largest and most successful heart and lung centres, providing regional and national services such as heart transplantation.
In the last year staff have carried out over 600 cardiology, heart, and lung surgeries for NHS Highland patients.
NHS Golden Jubilee chief executive Carolynne O’Connor said: “As a national asset for NHS Scotland, the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital supports local boards like NHS Highland by offering extra capacity and access to our specialist services.
“Our skilled teams are proud to help patients get faster access to important tests and treatments since 2002.
“We remain committed to working closely with all NHS boards to keep delivering high-quality care and making sure patients continue to benefit from the services we offer.”
NHS Highland chief executive Fiona Davies said: “We are grateful to the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital for their support in helping patients across Highland, Argyll and Bute access vital treatment.”
Hollie Whitson (25), who was born in Thurso, suffers from a congenital heart disease. She underwent open heart surgery in 2013 at Yorkhill Children’s Hospital, before receiving a pulmonary autograft, also known as the Ross procedure, at the Golden Jubilee University Hospital in May last year.
After a long and complicated procedure Hollie’s health has completely transformed.
“The Ross procedure, for me, has been life changing,” she said. “Before having the surgery, I could hardly walk up the stairs without being out of breath.
“I struggled to walk distances and sports was just a definite no for me. Now, I am swimming five times a week and go on walks for up to five miles at a time.”
She added: “I just want to express my sincere gratitude towards every member of the Golden Jubilee team. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for saving my life and letting me have a second chance of this beautiful new life I have ahead of me.”
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