Friday September 4th 2026
East Lothian Community Hospital
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
East Lothian Integration Joint Board (IJB) has published its Annual Performance Report for 2025/26, highlighting significant progress in improving health and social care services while responding to growing demand, an ageing population and ongoing financial pressures.
The report marks the final year of East Lothian Integration Joint Board’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan and demonstrates how services have continued to improve outcomes for local people through innovation, partnership working and a strong focus on community-based care.
One of the most significant achievements in 2025/26 was the continued focus on delivering the Scottish Government’s ‘Home First’ approach. A successful application for Government unscheduled care funding, enabled the recruitment of additional integrated social work, home care and seven-day therapy-supported discharge services, supporting more people to remain at home, avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and return home sooner after treatment.
Additionally, the introduction of a new Single Point of Access (SPOA) professional referral pathway improved coordination across health and social care, supported faster hospital discharge, reduced delays, enabled more people to return home sooner, and strengthened admission prevention.
Improving access to mental health services remained a key priority throughout the year. The launch of a new Mental Health Support Telephone Line created a direct pathway for adults to gain access to local mental health advice and support. In the first year, the telephone line (0300 790 6292) received c2,600 contacts, enabling individuals to receive the right support at the right time.
The Partnership also expanded community mental health provision and continued investment in innovative support services such as Distress Brief Intervention and Care When It Counts Mental Health.
East Lothian Community Hospital continued to grow its role as a centre for local care. The introduction of new specialist outpatient services, including dedicated clinics for Medicine of the Elderly, Parkinson’s disease, neuropsychology and enhanced endoscopy services have reducing travel and waiting times for East Lothian residents.
Community-based services continued to play a vital role in improving wellbeing and preventing crises. Programmes such as Community First and Neighbourhood Networks helped hundreds of residents to access practical support, improve financial wellbeing, build social connections and maintain independence.
A key focus for social work was the continued development of person-centred approaches through strength and asset-based assessments. This work sought to focus on a person’s abilities, support and outcomes and how to maximise their skills, capabilities, resilience and resources of individuals, their families, and wider communities to maintain their independence.
While celebrating progress, the report acknowledges the challenges facing health and social care services in the years ahead. East Lothian remains one of Scotland’s fastest-growing areas, with the population aged over 65 expected to increase significantly over the coming decades. Rising demand, workforce pressures and financial constraints will continue to require innovation, collaboration and careful planning.
A new Strategic Plan for 2025-2030 is now in place and will guide the next phase of development, with a continued focus on prevention, community support, reducing inequalities and helping people live healthier, independent lives.
Andrew Cogan, IJB Chair comments, “This report highlights the tremendous commitment of our staff, partners, volunteers and communities. Despite unprecedented pressures, together we have continued to improve services, strengthen community support and deliver better outcomes for local people”.
The full Annual Performance Report 2025/26 is available to view at www.eastlothian.gov.uk/elhscp.
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