In January, I wrote with concerns about the continued closure of the free NHS beds in Ward 3 at Belhaven Hospital, related to the remedial works on the water system. They have remained closed.

In March, following fireraising in the grounds, the fire service requested immediate evacuation of residents from Blossom House Care Home [Ward 1, Belhaven Hospital] after an unannounced inspection.

Rumours soon abounded in the community that Belhaven Hospital had closed but assurances were given that the move was temporary.

Fast forward to March 28 and the Integrated Joint Board (IJB) budget-setting meeting. Members voted to close the entire Belhaven site, including Blossom House; Ward 2, used as a community staff and vaccination hub; Ward 3 NHS beds; and the area used by Belhaven Community Garden.

Reasons given for closure include the old buildings not being fit for purpose and the isolation of the site, particularly following the fire incidents. This is despite a considerable sum being spent since August 2022 on the remedial work to sort the water system – work that has only just been completed.

Finance is clearly a factor here. Belhaven has seen limited investment, whilst NHS Lothian spends millions on the contract with Consort to lease the Royal Infirmary.

The Scottish Government blames Westminster but it is the Scottish Government that has been ploughing millions into much delayed proposals for a National Care Service. East Lothian Council has chosen to invest £5 million in repairs to the Loch Centre roof whilst closing care homes.

The closure highlights a history of broken promises on the future of Belhaven. In 2009, closure was averted and then Health Minister Nicola Sturgeon promised new facilities. A new unit was one of three proposed in the Older People Strategy of 2010 – a strategy scrapped by the new ELC administration in 2012. In 2015, the health minister refused monies to keep Ward 2 open because new facilities were planned. In 2020, discussions were ongoing with Hub SE about new build.

The closure will have a major impact. In the short term, the residents of Blossom House are losing their home. In Dunbar there are only 48 beds at private Lammermuir House. There are fewer beds than 20 years ago. Other care homes are not easy to get to without a car due to poor public transport. It is the same for NHS beds – those in Haddington and Edinburgh are not easy to get to, especially from the Lammermuir villages. Also affected are the staff, many of whom have worked at Belhaven for a long time.

The closure will impact on bed blocking in the acute NHS sector. Care packages can be difficult to access, do not give overnight care and are not sufficient for those who need 24-hour support, especially for those with dementia care needs.

It is vital that the Belhaven site is retained for health and social care purposes. In the meantime, NHS Lothian will have to pay to keep the site secure. It would be a shame for it to fester like Edenhall.

Jacquie Bell

Belhaven