RESIDENTS could return to Belhaven Hospital before Christmas.

All patients were removed from the hospital after bacteria was found in a number of taps last month.

Residents and staff were transferred to Haddington’s East Lothian Community Hospital while additional cleaning was carried out.

Now, a spokesperson for East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (ELHSCP) has confirmed they are looking to get work under way.

They said: “The initial water assessments across the Belhaven site are now complete and the report is due from our specialist contractors imminently.

“On receipt of this, a refined action plan to cover all of the necessary remedial work will be developed, which will initially focus on Ward 1, Blossom House to allow residents to return as soon as possible.

'Two months to conclude'

“We recognise that residents, family members, staff and the local community are eager for timescales.

“Current estimates indicate the remedial works may take a minimum of two months to conclude.

“This has not been confirmed and may be subject to change once the remedial works get under way.”

The works will mean access to the site is discouraged.

Pupils at Dunbar Grammar School have already been asked not to walk through the hospital grounds as work is due to get under way.

The ELHSCP spokesperson added: “As Belhaven Hospital is about to become an active contractor site, we must take into consideration the safety of all individuals on the premises.

“We have subsequently made a request to Dunbar Grammar School that pupils use an alternative pathway going to and from school and avoid walking through the Belhaven grounds.

“Additionally, we are extremely mindful of the time and effort that has gone into developing the garden area, as well as the numerous wellbeing benefits provided to those who access and work in the garden.

“As such at present, community groups are able to continue accessing the garden facilities, but are reminded that the water supply is currently switched off in this area.

“This will continued to be monitored and updates will be provided as the work continues.”