Hospital gets official seal

A HOSPITAL in the Lothians has been officially opened by the health secretary, even though it has been taking patients for more than a year.

Nicola Sturgeon attended the £18 million Midlothian Community Hospital yesterday to unveil the official plaque. The 88-bed facility has been a welcome addition to healthcare in the area, replacing two smaller, ageing centres nearby.

It takes recent investment in the area by NHS Lothian to more than £20 million.

Sue Edmond, vice chairwoman for the public partnership forum in Midlothian, said: “The forum welcomed the opportunity which allowed the public to be involved to influence the design of the building.