CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, is urging whoever becomes the next First Minister to back plans to reopen the Minor Injuries Unit at North Berwick’s Edington Cottage Hospital.
Mr Hoy’s call comes as SNP representatives look to replace Nicola Sturgeon as party leader and First Minister.
Three candidates – Humza Yousaf, Kate Forbes and Ash Regan – are seeking the top job in Scottish politics.
Craig Hoy has said there is a fresh opportunity for progress to be made in relation to the Edington Cottage Hospital in North Berwick after its indefinite closure 18 months ago.
The hospital was closed without any public consultation under emergency GOLD Command powers because of pressures for beds in other parts of NHS Lothian.
A community survey conducted by Mr Hoy with 1,929 responses found that 97% of residents opposed the service changes at the Edington.
The South Scotland MSP has said the Edington’s reopening must be a top priority for any of the trio seeking to become the next First Minister and he hopes to question the new incumbent on the issue as soon as possible, after the new leader is announced on Monday March 27th.
He said: “I am today challenging the next SNP leader and ultimately First Minister to commit to making progress on the future of the Edington hospital, which is a vital local resource.
“For too long there has been very little or no progress at all in relation to the Minor Injuries Unit’s reopening.
“I will be pushing on behalf of constituents in North Berwick to ensure, whoever emerges as the winner of the SNP’s leadership contest defends and promotes the principle of community based healthcare.
“The SNP Government may be changing the incumbent of Bute House, but that only increases my determination to deliver a positive outcome on the Edington Hospital for the people of North Berwick and its surrounding communities.”
