Tag: East Lothian Community Hospital

NHS Lothian: East Lothian Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub

A hub is available for people in East Lothian to access information, advice and practical support about mental health and wellbeing. Set up in East Lothian Community Hospital, it aims to help people find out about the wide range of services that are available in the local community.

Any adult who is concerned about their own mental health and wellbeing, or supporting someone else’s, can drop in to pick up information or speak to an advisor.

The Hub is run by a team of psychologists at the hospital who are regularly joined by representatives from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, East Lothian Works, Changes East Lothian, and Community Link Workers from Penumbra.

Dr Alison Wells, Consultant Clinical Psychologist for NHS Lothian, explains: “We started this hub to help signpost patients and visitors to the wide range of therapeutic, wellbeing, practical or social support available.

“Anyone can struggle with their mental health and wellbeing, feel anxious, low or down, particularly during these challenging times. There’s an abundance of services which can help so we encourage anyone who is worried to pop along for a private chat or just to pick up some information.”

The Hub runs every Wednesday between 12noon and 2pm in the foyer just off the main entrance to East Lothian Community Hospital.

It provides access to a range of materials including those from the East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership and local third-party organisations. 

NHS clinicians are on hand to help direct people to the information and support available. A Citizen’s Advice Bureau Adviser is also available to help with queries about housing, finances and benefits and other questions.

Fiona Wilson, Chief Officer and Joint Director of East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership, added: “We are really pleased to be able to offer this open-door mental health support to the people of East Lothian.

“Taking the first step and seeking advice can often be the hardest.  We hope this resource will encourage people to come forward, no matter how big or small they think the problem may be, and look after their mental health, just as they would their physical health.”

People can also access information about mental health and wellbeing advice and support online at wellbeinglothian.scot and nhsinform.scot

Dedicated Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Ward established at East Lothian Community Hospital

A dedicated Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Ward has been established at East Lothian Community Hospital helping to support individuals across Lothian to get ‘back on their feet’ following orthopaedic surgery at Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary.

The development of the in-patient orthopaedic rehabilitation provision in East Lothian is part of NHS Lothian’s Orthopaedic Recovery Plan to reduce waiting times for elective surgical cases.  

The pandemic significantly impacted waiting lists across NHS Scotland due to postponements and cancellations.  By ring-fencing dedicated orthopaedic recovery beds at East Lothian Community Hospital, NHS Lothian can increase the number of elective arthroplasty surgeries (hips and knees) that can be performed at the Royal Infirmary, knowing there is ample post-surgery and rehabilitation care available for patients.

Reducing waiting times helps to prevent patients’ conditions deteriorating and health and social care needs escalating whilst awaiting surgery.  As a result, this delivers better outcomes for individuals, as well as preventing further growth of pressure on community resources, including care at home services.

It also enables East Lothian patients to benefit from post operative in-patient rehabilitation closer to home, making access and visiting, easier, and supporting local planning and provision for discharge.

Aris Tyrothoulakis, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Site Director, said: “We are delighted that East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (ELHSCP) has been able to extend their provision and create this dedicated rehabilitation ward to support Lothian residents following orthopaedic surgery.

“With the Haddington-based hospital featuring an extensive rehabilitation service, it was the obvious venue of choice for this service provision, and it is very much hoped this initiative will pave the way for the hospital to become a ‘centre for excellence’ in orthopaedic rehabilitation.”

Patients who have spent time within the dedicated ward have only praise for the staff and quality of care:  “It’s so lovely, it doesn’t feel like a hospital. I’m already well on my way to recovery.  The staff are always on hand, to back you up and give you confidence. It’s a very special place, and everyone in it is special.”

Fiona Wilson, Chief Officer for ELHSCP, added: “We were incredibly grateful to NHS Lothian for the opportunity to establish this dedicated service and support the people of East Lothian and beyond to receive post-surgery rehabilitation.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to pass on my thanks, admiration and appreciation to the incredible teams within the East Lothian Community Hospital, the Rehabilitation Service, and our colleagues at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for the extensive planning and organisation that has gone into the set-up of this dedicated ward. 

“It has been an amazing team effort, delivered in a very short timescale, and I’m incredibly proud of what has been achieved to date.  I’m sure this will pave the way for further success to come.”