LEUCHIE House respite centre, in North Berwick, has seen its latest inspection report success and its contribution to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic fightback praised in the Scottish Parliament by East Lothian’s MSP Iain Gray.

Mr Gray put down a motion that highlighted Leuchie’s scores in its latest Care Inspection report, which place it among the highest scoring services of its kind in Scotland.

It added that the report “is further testimony to the ongoing commitment from everyone at Leuchie to providing a first-class service for people living with MS and other long-term conditions, and their families.”

The motion also thanked Leuchie’s staff for their “valuable contribution” in responding to coronavirus, which has seen the respite centre adapt and become a temporary ‘step down’ facility for NHS patients to help free up beds during the ongoing crisis.

Mr Gray said: “Leuchie House’s latest Care Inspectorate report was really outstanding and underlines the ongoing efforts that the staff and trustees have been making to further enhance the service they provide to guests and their families.

“It is a unique and special national respite care facility and these latest scores place it among the very best in Scotland, so I’m pleased to be able to recognise and promote this success at Holyrood.

“The motion also afforded an opportunity to highlight the way the team at Leuchie have adapted to support the NHS during the Covid-19 crisis.

“They have responded very quickly to help relieve some of the pressure on our NHS and I thank all of the staff, trustees and volunteers for their dedication.”

Mark Bevan, Leuchie House’s chief executive, said: “Good news is always welcome and particularly in these challenging times. It was great to read the inspector’s report, which recognised the huge effort, kindness and skill of a very dedicated and expert team at Leuchie, who at the moment are making a massive contribution to the NHS effort to fight Covid-19.

“Leuchie quickly re-provisioned in response to the virus and has been taking patients from hospital beds which are much needed by others. We can only do this work because of the support we receive from the Lothian Social Care Partnership, who have been first class, and of course our many donors in East Lothian and beyond.”

 

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