Two extra operating theatres are to be opened at a former private hospital which was bought by the government in an attempt to cut waiting times.

It is hoped that the move will enable the facility to carry out four times as many knee and hip replacement operations as at present.

The name of the former HCI hospital in Clydebank has also been changed for the second time in less than six months.

It will now be known as the Golden Jubilee National Hospital.

Two new operating theatres are planned

The hospital was given the temporary title of the National Waiting Times Centre after it was bought by the Scottish Executive this summer for �3.75m.

The private hospital was opened in 1994 as a specialist heart surgery centre, but never made a profit.

It was purchased from the Abu Dhabi Investment Company and designated as a national centre in the battle to cut NHS waiting times.

The 540-bed hospital employs 288 people, along with a further 86 at an associated hotel.

The number of operating theatres is now set to increase from six to eight.

Orthopaedic theatres

The aim is to increase the number of knee and hip replacement operations from 300 a year to 1,200.

Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm said the two orthopaedic theatres would be built and kitted out over the next few months.

He said: "I am delighted that the Golden Jubilee National Hospital can now go forward with its work.

"It is a unique national asset for the health service in Scotland and will make a huge contribution to reducing waiting times for patients."