The strength of feeling in the town underlines the importance of local democracy.Jacqueline Cottrell
The East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership temporarily closed the Edington Cottage Hospital in North Berwick, relocating inpatients and staff to Haddington.
The decision was announced with no public consultation with a period of less than two weeks’ notice. The move was met with strong resistance, with a petition against the measure signed by almost 7,000 local residents within a few days, and legal action being considered.
Local GPs have expressed concern that the move will ultimately end in closure.
Jacqueline Cottrell, East Lothian Greens Committee Member, said:
“The strength of feeling in the town underlines the importance of local democracy and meaningful involvement of communities in health and social care decision-making.
“The Greens fully support empowering communities to be involved in making such decisions locally, rather than having such decisions sprung on them from above.”
The decision is due to be reviewed every 12 weeks.