COUNTY residents have shown their love and support for North Berwick’s Edington Hospital by sharing their personal stories of the great care they and their nearest and dearest have received there… written on heart-shaped cut-outs.

The Edington’s six inpatient beds and nursing staff were relocated to East Lothian Community Hospital in Haddington in September, and the Edington’s minor injuries service for children removed, with the assurance these changes, caused by Covid-19 pressures in the NHS, would be temporary. Locals responded by forming the Hands Around The Edington campaign and now await news of a NHS review into the Edington’s future.

A campaign spokesperson said: “The purpose of the hearts campaign was to give people the opportunity to share stories of excellent care at the Edington, something personal to them that highlighted the great value of the hospital and the staff to the community.

“The hearts are symbolic in many ways: the Hands Around The Edington logo carries a heart motif and it’s also a sign of caring and of love, because the Edington has been at the heart of the community for over 100 years.”

More than 30 residents have sent their heart photos to campaign organisers, with many more posters and hearts displayed in windows throughout the area.

The spokesperson added: “Ultimately, it’s thanking the incredible caregivers for their service and this campaign has proven to be a wonderful way for people to come together, to unite in a cause that is close to so many hearts, with stories that resonate widely.”