THE Edington Hospital’s only ward will remain shut for at least another month after the latest review into its closure.

The Edington in North Berwick was temporarily closed last September after NHS Lothian decided to centralise staff at East Lothian Community Hospital (ELCH) in Haddington as it anticipated a difficult winter due to Covid-19.

Paul McLennan, MSP for East Lothian, confirmed that the closure had “rolled over” for another month.

He said: “The steering group have a meeting with NHS Lothian on May 11 to discuss the matter in further detail.”

However, the review did indicate the return of some services to North Berwick, with two beds at The Abbey care home to be used for palliative care from June 6.

East Lothian Courier: Protests against the decision to partly close the Edington Cottage Hospital have taken place over recent monthsProtests against the decision to partly close the Edington Cottage Hospital have taken place over recent months

Judy Lockhart-Hunter, chair of North Berwick Community Council, said: “It is positive for the community that two palliative care beds will return imminently. However, them going to The Abbey poses concerns for the Edington’s future.”

Alison Macdonald, chief officer of East Lothian Health & Social Care Partnership (ELHSCP), said: “Following the latest review, ongoing staffing pressures and system demand mean in-patient beds at the Edington remain relocated to ELCH.

“However, the Community Treatment and Care Team continue to deliver a range of services at the hospital.

East Lothian Courier: Staff were centralised at the East Lothian Community Hospital in HaddingtonStaff were centralised at the East Lothian Community Hospital in Haddington

“Our priority at all times has to be the safety of patients and staff. The temporary consolidation of staff at ELCH has allowed greater resilience and flexibility in how they are deployed day-to-day and has enabled a net gain of 10 beds.

“This temporary relocation remains under regular review, with ELHSCP and NHS Lothian continuing to look at long-term solutions in relation to recruitment and retention.”

And she added: “Unfortunately, East Lothian is not immune to the staffing pressures being felt across the whole system.”