The Edington Hospital, North Berwick
Construction of the Hospital was made possible by a bequest from Miss Elizabeth Edington of Ethandune, Dirleton Court, North Berwick. Building work commenced in 1912 and the Hospital was officially opened in 1913.
The hospital was formally taken over on the formation of the NHS and, until September 2021, it was run as an NHS hospital by Lothian Health Board. The hospital had nine beds and provided medical care for a range of chronic conditions, mobility problems, respite and end of life care. The hospital also operated a minor injuries department which was available 24 hours a day.
Up to September 2021, there were 10 nursing staff, 8 clinical support staff and 4 domestic staff. Some staff were part time. In September 2021, the hospital was closed by East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership in response to increased pressures brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. All the in-patients were transferred to other locations and the Minor Injuries Unit (MIU) was closed. Most of the staff were transferred to the East Lothian Community Hospital in Haddington.
The Hospital building continues to provide a huge benefit for the local community, as it is used for vaccination clinics, and for the provision of physiotherapy services. It also hosts a community treatment and care (CTAC) team which provides nursing services during office hours. Click here to see a video on the services provided.
Although cited as a temporary measure, the prospect of the hospital reopening to in-patients and the restoration of its former services seems unlikely in the short to medium term due to ongoing staffing and financial challenges.