Local MSP Craig Hoy has accused SNP Health Secretary Humza Yousaf of “leaving communities in dark” over the future of Edington Cottage Hospital in North Berwick.
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP led a Members Business debate in Parliament on Thursday after NHS Lothian extended the hospital’s temporary closure for at least another month.
Craig used his speech to accuse Humza Yousaf of failing to outline the reasons behind the decision to close the hospital to the community.
He highlighted many local examples of how Edington Hospital provides much needed and high-quality levels of care, including the example of Jane from North Berwick. She had told Craig of how her mother, a former nurse, spent her final days at the hospital and says she preferred to be there compared with stays in Edinburgh hospitals.
Lynda another local resident had described the Edington as the community’s “beating heart” while former Gullane GP Dr Andrew Smith said that he was not informed of the decision directly- despite his 25 years experience.
Speaking after the debate, Scottish Conservative South Scotland MSP Craig Hoy said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to lead this crucial debate in Parliament.
“Edington Cottage Hospital provides vital and top quality healthcare on our doorstep and the voices of local people cannot be ignored. I was determined to highlight their opposition in Parliament and make the SNP’s Health Secretary sit up and take note.
“Local communities have been left completely in the dark by Humza Yousaf over NHS Lothian’s decision. This temporary closure is threatening to become a so-called temporary one.
“Residents and users of the hospital cannot find any information behind the decision. That simply isn’t good enough and there must be a commitment to greater transparency now.
“This debate showed the strength of opposition to the Eddington Cottage Hospital remaining closed. I will not rest until services resume in North Berwick and local residents get an explanation from the health board’s decision-making.”
