Social care and health news

East Lothian Nurses receive prestigious Queen's Nurse Award

Two nurses from East Lothian are among a group of 21 extraordinary community nurses to have been awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse.

Published 2nd December 2024.

National call for Carers to ‘recognise your rights!’

Thursday 21 November 2024 is Carers Rights Day, which aims to help carers recognise and understand their rights, as well as the support available to them when they need it.

Published 20th November 2024.

Congratulations Susanne, NHS Lothian's Health Hero Award Winner

Susanne Crichton, a specialist occupational therapist working for the Lothian Works Support Services Team won the NHS Lothian's Celebrating Success Health Hero Award for 2024.

Published 11th November 2024.

The Big Pick's £1000 payback

Three East Lothian charities benefit from money raised at the Big Pick clothing events organised by the Community Payback Work Team.

Published 1st November 2024.

Community Alarm Scam Alert

Community alarm system scam alert! Please ask family, friends and neighbours to stay vigilant.

Published 16th October 2024.

Call for people across East Lothian to Rethink Dementia

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership is backing the Scottish Government and COSLA’s campaign to challenge the stigma surrounding dementia.

Published 16th October 2024.

Celebrating Success, East Lothian’s Niki Stewart wins NHS Lothian Lynn Jackson Nurse of the Year Award

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership couldn’t be prouder of its very own Niki Stewart for her incredible personal achievements and unwavering dedication to caring for her patients.

Published 11th October 2024.

Public engagement on Planning Older People’s Services priorities launched

Having identified four priorities to support the delivery of older people’s services, ELHSCP has launched a 12-week engagement and consultation schedule where public can share their comments.

Published 17th September 2024.

Official 2023 East Lothian alcohol specific deaths statistics are released

National Records of Scotland issue annual statistics showing a reduction in alcohol related deaths in East Lothian for 2023.

Published 10th September 2024.

East Lothian Integration Joint Board Annual Performance Report 2023-24

East Lothian Integration Joint Board (IJB) has published its Annual Performance Report for 2023/24, showcasing its continued commitment to develop health and social care services in East Lothian.

Published 2nd September 2024.

Official 2023 East Lothian drug related death statistics are released

A total of 20 drug related deaths were recorded in East Lothian in 2023.

Published 20th August 2024.

Defying all odds Maggie Ross celebrates her 100th birthday

East Lothian Crookston Care Home Resident Maggie Ross celebrates her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends.

Published 2nd August 2024.

Inveresk Medical Practice patients pilot direct access to CWIC same-day appointments

Aiming to improve patient experiences, a pilot scheme is being introduced to support patients to gain direct access to same-day health appointments for non-recurring acute illnesses.

Published 26th July 2024.

Drop-in events organised to showcase technology solutions to support you at home.

East Lothian Technology Enabled Care Team host public drop-in events to showcase ways assistive technology can support daily living activities.

Published 23rd July 2024.

Bunny Buddies A heart-warming initiative supported by NHS Lothian Charity

East Lothian develops heart-warming initiative (Buddy Bunnies) to support families especially young children during palliative care.

Published 23rd July 2024.

East Lothian welcomes Catalonian health ministers

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership hosted a visit from Catalonian Health Ministers during a visit to Scotland.

Published 21st June 2024.

East Lothian is putting Carers on the map this Carers Week

East Lothian gets ready to host a range of activities and information events to support carers across the county.

Published 5th June 2024.

Online 'Near Me' health appointments now available at Tranent Library

Online video health consultation appointments delivered by NHS Scotland's "Near Me" service are now accessible from Tranent Library.

Published 3rd June 2024.

Health and Social Care Equipment Supplier Update

Nottingham Rehab Supplies (NRS) who supply and maintain equipment for the Community Equipment Loan Service (CELS) have recently informed East Lothian that they were victims of a cyber security attack.

Published 14th May 2024.

Charity collaboration transforms East Lothian Community Hospital's speech and language therapy rooms

Thanks to a generous grant NHS Lothian Charity has continued its programme of art and therapeutic design to improve patient experience at East Lothian Community Hospital.

Published 10th May 2024.

Inspectors praise ’very good’ partnership work to keep East Lothian children safe from harm

An intensive six-month long inspection process has found that children and young people in East Lothian who are at risk of harm are safer due to the work of partnership services in the county.

Published 7th May 2024.

Celebrating Scottish Learning Disability Week 2024

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership is delighted to be celebrating Scottish Learning Disability Week 2024, Mon 6 to Fri 10 May with a series of events and activities.

Published 3rd May 2024.

East Lothian Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub

A new hub is available for people in East Lothian to access information, advice and practical support about mental health and wellbeing at East Lothian Community Hospital.

Published 16th April 2024.

East Lothian’s Integrated Joint Board budget approved

Faced with extremely difficult decisions in a challenging financial landscape, the East Lothian IJB have approved a balanced budget for 2024-25.

Published 28th March 2024.

Difficult decisions for IJB to set balanced budget for 2024/25

East Lothian’s Integration Joint Board (IJB) faces extremely difficult decisions to set a balanced budget for 2024/25 amidst a challenging financial climate.

Published 21st March 2024.

David Binnie, IJB Carers Representative

David Binnie reappointed as Carer Representative for the IJB.

Published 28th February 2024.

East Lothian IJB seeks to appoint new carer representative

An opportunity has arisen for a carer representative to join East Lothian Integration Joint Board (IJB) for a three-year term, with the possibility of a further three-year extension.

Published 8th December 2023.

Shared Lives - making dreams come true

Duncan and his carers Anita and James showcase the positive impact, influence and life-affirming change East Lothian's Shared Lives Service has on supported individuals and carers.

Published 5th December 2023.

East Lothian launches dedicated dementia strategy

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership launches a dedicated strategy outlining how it will improve the offer and provision of dementia services for individuals and their carers.

Published 21st November 2023.

Award for art installations at East Lothian Community Hospital

Prestigious healthcare award win sees Tonic Arts recognised for pioneering art and design commission at East Lothian Community Hospital.

Published 20th November 2023.

Lifesaving AED available at Musselburgh Primary Care Centre

A publicly accessible Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has been installed in Musselburgh Primary Care Centre, offering immediate access to a life-saving device in an emergency.

Published 15th November 2023.

Dedicated Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Ward in East Lothian

With the support of NHS Lothian, a dedicated Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Ward has been established at East Lothian Community Hospital, Haddington.

Published 7th November 2023.

Care Inspectorate’s praise for East Lothian’s Homecare Service

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership's care at home service, 'Homecare' received considerable praise following a recent Scottish Care Inspectorate inspection.

Published 30th October 2023.

Crookston Care Home shines with top marks from Care Inspectorate

Crookston Care Home, Tranent has received a glowing report following an unannounced inspection conducted by the Care Inspectorate.

Published 25th October 2023.

A Scottish NHS first for East Lothian Community Hospital

East Lothian Community Hospital is first NHS Scotland out-patient endoscopy unit within a territorial Health Board area to be awarded the gold standard in quality endoscopy care - JAG Accreditation.

Published 20th October 2023.

Outpatient Antimicrobials Therapy Service now available at East Lothian Community Hospital

Thanks to a new partnership link with the Western General Hospital, East Lothian residents can now receive OPAT treatment at the Community Hospital, Haddington.

Published 5th October 2023.

East Lothian Rehabilitation Service launch innovative website for health and well-being

East Lothian Rehabilitation Service have launched a dedicated website providing self-guided solutions and professional advice to support residents to take charge of their health and wellbeing.

Published 27th September 2023.

Breaking ground for new public shared-use pathway at East Lothian Community Hospital

Ground has been broken to commence the construction of a shared-use pathway around East Lothian Community Hospital, part of a new alignment for the National Cycle Network Route 76.

Published 24th August 2023.

Official 2022 East Lothian Drug Related Deaths Statistics are released

Earlier today, 22 August 2023, the National Records of Scotland published their annual statistical report on drug-misuse deaths for 2022.

Published 22nd August 2023.

Integration Joint Board releases annual report for 2022-23

East Lothian’s IJB shares its Annual Report for 2022-23, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to delivering services and innovative approaches to achieve positive health and wellbeing outcomes.

Published 18th August 2023.

Final progress report regarding access to Musselburgh health services is published

The external review team who published a report relating to ‘Access & capacity at Riverside Medical Practice and associated local health board services’ have issued their final progress report.

Published 29th June 2023.

Publication of adult support and protection inspection

A joint inspection of adult support and protection measures in the East Lothian area has found clear strengths in ensuring adults at risk of harm are safe, protected and supported.

Published 26th June 2023.

Vaccination Centre to open at East Lothian Community Hospital

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership’s Primary Care Vaccination Team will deliver a new vaccination service from East Lothian Community Hospital, from Mon 19 June 2023.

Published 9th June 2023.

Celebrating the unwavering dedication of carers

Celebrating the unwavering dedication of carers. East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership is proud to join our communities in commemorating Carers Week 5 to 11 June.

Published 29th May 2023.

East Lothian Resource Centre Open Day Saturday 13 May

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership is delighted to be hosting an Open Day for the Resource Coordinator Service at the Loch Centre, Tranent on Saturday 13 May between 10.30am and 1.00pm.

Published 10th May 2023.

Celebrating Scottish Learning Disability Week 2023

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership is delighted to be participating in Scottish Learning Disability Week 2023, which runs from May 1 to May 7 2023.

Published 2nd May 2023.

East Lothian showcase health and social care integration to Danish Council Members

East Lothian HSCP welcomed 18 delegates from the Regional Council of Southern Denmark to showcase the ways health and social care services can be delivered through integrational partnerships.

Published 27th April 2023.

Commitment made to support individuals affected by domestic abuse

East Lothian’s Justice Social Services is securing its pathway to support men perpetrating domestic abuse and women and children affected by domestic abuse.

Published 17th April 2023.

Supportive Structured Deferred Sentences now offered in East Lothian

Thanks to enhanced training and development, the East Lothian Justice Social Work Team are able to offer Structured Deferred Sentences to individuals post-conviction and prior to final sentencing.

Published 3rd April 2023.

Integration Joint Board seeks to appoint service user representative

An opportunity has arisen for a service user representative to join the East Lothian Integration Joint Board, for a three-year term, with the possibility of a further three-year extension.

Published 20th March 2023.

Community Hospitals and Care Homes provision recommendations

ELHSCP presented its recommendations to the IJB regarding the future of Community Hospitals and Care Home provisions in East Lothian following an extensive review and public consultation.

Published 17th March 2023.

Three month progress report regarding access and capacity at Riverside Medical Practice and associated health services is published

The East Lothian Health & Social Care Partnership (ELHSCP) and Riverside Medical Practice welcome the review team’s interim report on the progress made against recommendations in the External review.

Published 8th March 2023.

Can you provide a safe sanctuary in East Lothian?

Highlighting the urgent need for host families in East Lothian to support unaccompanied sanctuary seekers.

Published 23rd February 2023.

New Chair appointed for EMPPC

The East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Committee has new independent Chair

Published 21st February 2023.

Cockenzie Health Centre extension is officially opened

The newly refurbished, and greatly expanded Cockenzie Health Centre, home to The Harbours Medical Practice, has been officially opened following a £4.1m refurbishment and expansion.

Published 1st February 2023.

Decisions taken regarding the future of Musselburgh's Eskgreen Care Home

Following a visit from the Care Inspectorate, and a paper highlighting extensive refurbishment works required at Eskgreen Care Home, elected members were faced with making a difficult decision.

Published 16th January 2023.

Councillors mark White Ribbon Day

East Lothian Councillors have pledged their support and commitment to end violence against women and girls as part of White Ribbon Day 2022.

Published 24th November 2022.

Access to banking for those with no fixed address

Helping to break the cycle of financial exclusion. East Lothian Justice Social Work in partnership with Shelter and HSBC can help people with no fixed address to open a bank account.

Published 21st November 2022.

East Lothian Allied Health Professionals' In Reach Project at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (ELH&SCP) has launched an innovative project to reduce pressures on hospital care this winter and help streamline the discharge process for patients.

Published 14th November 2022.

Award Nomination for East Lothian Justice Social Work Team

East Lothian’s Justice Social Work Service are finalists at the Scottish Social Service Awards for their efforts in creating a safer community by embracing and implementing world class systems.

Published 31st October 2022.

2021-22 Social Work Annual Report Presented to Councillors

A press release summarising the performance and experience of delivering social work services across Children’s and Adult Services during the second year of the COVID pandemic 2021-22.

Published 26th October 2022.

Publication of the external review report into the access and capacity of Riverside Medical Practice, Musselburgh

The publication of an external review into access and capacity at Riverside Medical Practice, Musselburgh has been published today. Read the report, and accompanying press release here.

Published 23rd September 2022.

National Falls Awareness Week 20 – 23 September 2022

From a simple trip to a catastrophic fall, the impact of falling can have disastrous consequences. Learn about preventative actions to prevent falls

Published 20th September 2022.

Advanced Patient Care Monitoring Technology at East Lothian Community Hospital

East Lothian Community Hospital became the first hospital in Scotland to use a new process called Electronic Observation (eObs) on the existing patient TRAKCare monitoring system.

Published 2nd September 2022.

New pilot project for online health appointments starts at Dunbar Library

From today people can access Near Me video health appointments at Dunbar Library

Published 31st August 2022.

Free Period products in East Lothian

Changes have been made to the way free period products are distributed in East Lothian in response to feedback from the public. 

Published 15th August 2022.

Planning for an Ageing Population

Your opportunity to re-imagine health & social care in East Lothian.

Published 4th August 2022.

Riverside Medical Practice

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership announced an external review would take place to assess concerns about access to care provided by Riverside Medical Practice and associated services.

Published 14th July 2022.

Fostering in East Lothian

We are urgently seeking foster carers to support local children.

Published 17th June 2022.

Could you Share the Care?

Two families have united to appeal for more people to come forward to become carers with a service that supports East Lothian families who have children and young people with disabilities.

Published 17th May 2022.

Fiona Wilson appointed as Chief Officer of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership

Fiona Wilson, who has been Head of Health at West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership since 2020, has been appointed Chief Officer of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership.

Published 27th April 2022.

Spring COVID-19 Booster programme about to start in East Lothian

Find out more about our drop-in and appointment only clinics

Published 14th March 2022.

Meet Kari-Ann!

To mark #CareDay2022, our Lead Officer for the Promise Kari-Ann tells us about why including voice is so vital

Published 17th February 2022.

Changes to Musselburgh Primary Care Centre Covid Vaccination Clinic times from 28 February

Arrangements from the week beginning 28 February 2022

Published 15th February 2022.

Share the Care drop-in session

Join an online session to hear more about Share the Care to mark Care Day 2022 on Friday 18 February

Published 11th February 2022.

Could you Share the Care?

East Lothian Council is recruiting new carers to offer short breaks for children and young people with disabilities through its Share the Care service.

Published 11th January 2022.

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership announces applications open for grant funding for Dementia Meeting Centre in Musselburgh

Work to develop and establish first social club for people living with dementia and their carers is underway

Published 8th December 2021.

Chief Social Work Officer Annual Report for 2020/21

Council meeting hears social work annual report and the provision of social work services in East Lothian

Published 16th November 2021.

New service for cancer patients launched

A new service to ensure cancer patients are offered emotional, practical and financial support has been launched in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Published 9th November 2021.

Children's Services vacancies

Our Children’s Services team is recruiting a number of new positions.

Published 3rd November 2021.

Meet Lisa!

During National Care Experience Week find out more about the Council as Corporate Parent

Published 28th October 2021.

Social Care Service Pressures

Balancing people's needs, providing essential care and keeping everyone safe

Published 29th September 2021.

East Lothian Flu Vaccination programme underway

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership is kicking off its 2021 Winter Flu Vaccination programme this week for adults across the county

Published 21st September 2021.

A number of key services are coming closer to home for people in the North Berwick area

Update on services available from the Edington from Monday

Published 15th September 2021.

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership takes action to prepare for winter

Staffing will be consolidated at the East Lothian Community Hospital in Haddington in order to ease the additional pressure caused by high levels of absence due to sickness and the need for staff to self-isolate

Published 1st September 2021.

Marking Refurb and Extension Construction Start at The Harbours Medical Practice

3.4m refurbishment and 400m2 extension of the Harbours Medical Practice will complete in Autumn 2022

Published 1st September 2021.

Drop-in Covid vaccination clinics at North Berwick this weekend

Pop in for a drop-in

Published 5th August 2021.

Covid considerations continue to pose challenges

Council services still greatly impacted by Covid

Published 22nd July 2021.

For Kids' Sake be aware of abuse signs

A new school holiday campaign being launched this week urges everyone in East Lothian and Midlothian to be alert to signs of abuse.

Published 24th June 2021.

Work set to begin on Harbours Medical Practice extension

Work starts in early July

Published 18th June 2021.

Health and Social Care spokesperson says thank you to all East Lothian's brilliant Shared Lives carers

Shared Lives Week 2021 14-20 June

Published 14th June 2021.

Thank you to all East Lothian’s unpaid carers

Peter Murray and Shamin Akhtar ask us all to celebrate the dedication of East Lothian's unpaid carers during Carers Week 2021

Published 10th June 2021.

New You Tube mental-wellbeing playlists launched by East Lothian Psychological Therapies Service

Turning a brilliant idea into a brilliant resource

Published 11th May 2021.

New cycle-path and walkway for East Lothian Community Hospital

Your chance to get involved in the plans for the new East Lothian Community Hospital cycle-path and walkway

Published 13th April 2021.

Councillor Shamin Akhtar 'chooses to challenge' on International Women’s Day

East Lothian Health and Social Care spokesperson shares message of support on International Women's Day 2021

Published 8th March 2021.

National Adult Support and Protection Day 2021

A message from Anne Neilson, Chair of East and Midlothian Public Protection Committee

Published 19th February 2021.

#keepthepromise in East Lothian

Today marks one year since the publication of The Promise – the outcome of Scotland’s Independent Care Review.

Published 5th February 2021.

New East Lothian Covid Vaccination Centre

Good progress with vaccination roll-out in East Lothian

Published 1st February 2021.

New scheme provides emergency help for people experiencing domestic abuse

Ask for ANI

Published 21st January 2021.

Celebrating East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership staff

Councillor Fiona O'Donnell (East Lothian IJB Chair) and Peter Murray (East Lothian IJB Vice Chair) offer heartfelt thanks to all ELHSCP staff

Published 12th January 2021.

Winter wellbeing booklet launches

A guide to getting through the Festive Season when you are not feeling festive

Published 7th December 2020.

16 Days of Activism 2020 - put an end to gender-based violence

Find out more about what you can do to help put an end to gender-based violence

Published 25th November 2020.

New Community Link Worker Service to launch in January

New support for patients in East Lothian

Published 17th November 2020.

Definitely a hit!

The Abbey Care Home thanks relatives and the community for successfully raising funds for their juke box

Published 19th October 2020.

Meet Roisin!

Roisin Ritchie is one of our social workers supporting foster carers and finding placements for children and young people who need short or longer-term placements.

Published 14th October 2020.

Council appeals for more East Lothian foster carers

East Lothian Council has launched a drive for more foster carers to come forward to support children and young people in the county.

Published 9th October 2020.

Suicide Prevention Week East Lothian

Taking that first step can be very difficult but it is worth taking – for you, your family and friends.

Published 10th September 2020.

Mid and East Lothian Drug and Alcohol Partnership launches new website

Go-to site for help and advice on drug and alcohol issues for people in East Lothian

Published 25th August 2020.

East Lothian IJB is looking for an Independent Sector Representative

Do you have a really good understanding of the independent health and care sector? Do you want to represent their views and interests?

Published 12th August 2020.

Care Home Day Scotland 2020 #carehomeday20

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership Chief Officer Alison Macdonald thanks care home staff, residents, families and the community

Published 15th July 2020.

Celebrating Shared Lives Week East Lothian 2020

15 to 21 June is National Shared Lives Week, organised annually by Shared Lives Plus.

Published 15th June 2020.

New Community Treatment and Care Service Opens at East Lothian Community Hospital

Our first ELHSCP CTACS opens for patients in Haddington

Published 15th June 2020.

Councillor Fiona O’Donnell says it’s important to make carers visible

Carers Week 2020

Published 8th June 2020.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2020

#KindnessMatters

Published 19th May 2020.

Celebrating East Lothian's Foster Carers

The work of East Lothian’s foster carers is being recognised as part of a national initiative to celebrate and recruit foster carers. 

Published 11th May 2020.

Support for people asked to carry out 'shielding'

Those who are clinically at high risk if infected with Coronavirus (COVID-19) are in the process of receiving letters from the Scottish Government asking them to carry out ‘shielding’ for a period of 12 weeks.

Published 2nd April 2020.

Councillor Fiona O'Donnell praises the work of health and social care workers

'It is so important that those who are working so selflessly for the greater good know how much we appreciate them.'

Published 2nd April 2020.

New COVID-19 Assessment Hub opens in Musselburgh

For people advised to attend by NHS24’s Call 111 service after phone triage. This is not a drop-in facility and does not carry out laboratory testing for coronavirus

Published 1st April 2020.

Helping children and young people who feel unsafe

While being at home is the safest place for most young people to be at this difficult time, we know this is not necessarily the case for everyone.

Published 30th March 2020.

The East Lothian Integration Joint Board (IJB) is seeking a new Independent Sector Representative

Play a vital role in shaping health and social care services in East Lothian

Published 2nd March 2020.

Calling the men of East Lothian

Interim Chief Executive of East Lothian Council asks men in East Lothian to follow his lead in signing the White Ribbon pledge

Published 27th November 2019.

16 Days of Activism are here

Help to put an end to gender-based violence

Published 26th November 2019.

Volunteer with NHS Lothian

NHS Lothian is looking for volunteers to support our work at East Lothian Community Hospital

Published 4th November 2019.

Keys handed over in the latest phase of East Lothian Community Hospital

NHS Lothian and East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership have this week been given the keys for the remainder of the newly completed East Lothian Community Hospital building.  A significant milestone for the project, the team are now finalising migration plans and hope to move patients in over the next couple of months.

Published 31st October 2019.

East Lothian Integration Joint Board approves new directions for health and social care in East Lothian

Earlier this year, the East Lothian Integration Joint Board approved its new three-year strategic plan and, at its October meeting, the IJB revealed more detail about how that plan will be delivered.

Published 31st October 2019.

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership’s Winter Plan unveiled

East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership focuses on care closer to home to manage winter pressures

Published 31st October 2019.

Wellwynd Hub wins Chartered Institute of Housing Excellence Award

East Lothian Council’s Housing Team and East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership have secured a top Scottish award for their joint work on the Wellwynd Hub in Tranent.

Published 29th October 2019.

Cabinet Secetary for Transport and Infrastructure visits new East Lothian Community Hospital

'This new hospital is going to make a real difference to the local area and people who live here'.

Published 18th April 2019.

Alison Macdonald appointed as Director of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership

Director of Health and Social Care, Alison will continue to steer new initiatives which are essential to help us provide integrated, quality patient care.

Published 2nd April 2019.

Health and Social Care priorities - Have your say!

Take part in a short survey to have your say on Health and social care priorities in East Lothian over the next three years.

Published 13th February 2019.

Learn to spot the signs of financial harm

Is your money safe? East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Committee tackles Financial Harm.

Published 11th February 2019.

Partnership launches consultation and engagement

East Lothian Integration Joint Board (IJB) asks East Lothian citizens about strategic priorities between 2019 and 2022

Published 14th January 2019.