Politicians’ concern at threat to facilities

Paul Mclennan, East Lothian’s MSP, said: “I understand the concerns raised by residents in North Berwick and Dunbar, and will be meeting the community councils jointly.

“I hope the IJB will look at alternative proposals to the ones proposed.

“The issue isn’t just about the short-term measures proposed but the longer-term provision for the growing towns.”

Kenny Macaskill, East Lothian’s MP, said: “The proposals are deeply worrying.

“Times are tough and money is short. But clarity is required as a matter of urgency.”

Martin Whitfield, South Scotland MSP, said that the county was “one of the council areas worst-funded by the Scottish Government” but added that the proposals would be “unpopular with local people”. He added: “My central concern is to ensure that everyone who may be affected is given the information, assistance and support they need.”

Fellow South Scotland MSP Craig Hoy described the decision as “a backward step”, blaming “national budget mismanagement by the SNP” and adding: “Local healthcare managers and decision makers must seek to prioritise community-based social and health care, such as that offered by The Abbey, Belhaven and the Edington.”

Councillor Lyn Jardine, Dunbar and East Linton ward, is a member of the IJB. She said: “I’ve heard from some people concerned about the closure of Belhaven and some who see the current facilities’ limitations, and see this decision as an opportunity to modernise services for older people in the future.

“As a member of the IJB, I have to consider what is best for the longer-term strategy and will make my decision following an open discussion with other board members.

“I will be looking for assurances as to how any prospective closure will be co-ordinated to ensure we minimise the impact on existing residents and, equally, should the IJB agree to close the facility, I will be pressing NHS Lothian, who own the land, to ensure that any future use of the site is for specific needs of health and wellbeing.”

Fellow Dunbar and East Linton ward member Councillor Donna Collins highlighted the importance of the Dunbar facilities.

She said: “It is vital. Trying to get to Haddington or the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh from Dunbar is an absolute nightmare.”

Councillor Jeremy Findlay, North Berwick Coastal ward, said: “While I appreciate that the IJB has budgetary pressures, the solutions being put forward are not in the best interest of the people of North Berwick.

“The closure of the in-patient beds on a permanent basis is to me a precursor to the closure of the Edington.

“The closure of The Abbey is seen as a cheap way of saving money while we should be investing in local services.

“North Berwick is a growing community and the IJB should be looking to support the people of the town rather than moving everything to Haddington or the Royal Infirmary, which both are difficult for people to get to given the level of public transport.

“When I first became a councillor, the talk was on replacing The Abbey, Edington and doctors’ surgery with a new, purpose-built combined entity, but this has obviously been ditched.”

Kenny Miller, chair of North Berwick Community Council, said: “The Edington has been a concern for a long time.

“If beds are to be moved permanently then people will be required to travel a distance to them. Many are unable to travel, which is a concern.

“There are other care homes, but I think the general feeling is that The Abbey is the preferred one in the town and would be a big loss.

“I still have hope that the beds and the home can be saved, but we will have to wait and see.”