Weekly Belhaven Hospital Update 5/9/2022
from East Lothian Health & Social Care Partnership
Our investigations into the water quality at Belhaven are continuing. As mentioned in last week’s update, this is a lengthy process, which takes time in order to meet the necessary legislation and guidance. The team onsite are currently focussing their efforts on Ward 1 to ensure safe reopening for residents of Blossom House in the timeliest manner.
We fully appreciate that residents, family members, staff and the local community are eager for timescale indications. Current estimates indicate the remedial works may take a minimum of two months to conclude. This has not be confirmed, and may be subject to change once the investigations are complete and the remedial works get underway.
Belhaven Garden Access
A number of queries have been made about access to the Belhaven Garden by local community groups.
NHS Lothian and East Lothian Health & Social Care Partnership have a duty of care to all visitors that come onto the Belhaven premises. While our investigations continue and remedial works get underway, on the advice of NHS Lothian to protect Public Health we have taken the decision to close off the water supply to the garden. This means that the hose pipe tap in no longer in use, and the toilets accessed via the Haven Café are closed.
We fully appreciate how much time and effort has gone into developing the garden area, as well as the numerous wellbeing benefits provided to those who access and work in the garden. However we have to be mindful that Belhaven Hospital is currently an active contractor site and we must take into consideration the safety of all individuals on the premises.
Subsequently at this moment in time:
– We are willing to provide access for existing community group users to the garden only.
– Community groups must not venture near the hospital buildings.
– Access to the garden can only be gained via the gate at the road of Belhaven Hospital.
– Please remember, there will be no access to water facilities within the garden area.
– Additionally as remedial works get underway, this position may change.
As previously, we will continue to keep all parties updated as the works continue.
