Glasgow Royal Infirmary Named As Scotland’s Best Hospital

Monday, June 28, 2021

One of Glasgow’s most famous hospitals has been named Scotland’s best as part of a global survey by the US publication Newsweek. The Glasgow Royal Infirmary, which has stood on its site at Castle Street, close to the city centre for 227 years, was ranked top in Scotland.

The hospital has around 1,000 beds and is home to some 5,000 staff, all dedicated to providing the very best in patient care. The iconic building opened in 1794 as Glasgow’s population exploded during the industrial revolution. The hospital is where Joseph Lister developed antiseptic surgery, becoming the ‘father of modern surgery’ – and the Royal continues to be a pioneer in clinical research and improving patient treatment.

Isobel Neil, Director of the North Sector at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), said: “We’re delighted to have been recognised with this award. We have a fantastic team who are incredibly professional, each and every one of them working in pursuit of excellent and innovative patient care. They help to create a culture and hospital community which is second to none and I want to thank all of them for their passion and commitment.”

Professor Colin McKay, Chief of Medicine in the North Sector, said: “Glasgow Royal Infirmary has a global reputation for world-class research with a team of clinicians who are recognised as leaders in their chosen fields. The hospital enjoys a rich heritage of medical, nursing and allied health professional excellence which helps to foster a real sense of pride and identity across our teams. The last 15 months have seen everyone working more closely than ever to deal with the pandemic, exhibiting the very best of a modern health service.”

John Carson, Chief Nurse in the North Sector, added: “Patients are always our primary focus, but it is our teams who are the beating heart of the Royal. All of our staff, including our fantastic volunteers, help make the GRI more than just a hospital but a part of our community and wider city that is treasured by so many. They are the human face that is at the frontline in patient care and I can’t thank them enough.”

Nancy Cooper, Global Editor-in-Chief of Newsweek said: “As the events of 2020 made clear, our lives and those of our loved ones may rest on the kind of health care we have access to. The hospitals named in this list—which covers 25 countries, including United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Canada —stand out for their consistent excellence, including distinguished physicians, top-notch nursing care and state-of-the-art technology.”