Regulators score Leuchie House amongst the highest rated in Scotland

Press Release
For immediate use
Monday 27 April 2020


Following an unannounced inspection in January, representatives from the Care Inspectorate awarded local charity, Leuchie House, the highest score possible (6 - excellent) in four categories and the next highest (5 – very good) in a fifth category, rating the facility as a sector-leading provider of care.

Leuchie House, which is based in North Berwick, supports families from across Scotland living with the long term effects of a neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, motor neurone disease and the effects of stroke through respite breaks dedicated to their unique needs, and offers an essential break for carers. It also runs a Day Respite service for those living in the local community.

Their recent scores are broken down into quality of care and support; quality of staffing; quality of leadership; how well people’s wellbeing is supported; and quality of setting. The report notes: “Guests experienced respectful and compassionate care at each stage of their interaction with the service” And: “There is a clear vision in Leuchie House that is inspiring and promotes equality and inclusion for all.”

The charity employs a highly skilled and dedicated team of 80 members of staff, crucially including qualified nurses and care workers, who are experienced at caring for people with complex and challenging medical needs. It also relies on around 60 local volunteers to deliver its service.

Head of Care, Emma Jenson, told the Courier, “I am bursting with pride. Our staff and volunteer team go above and beyond to give every guest the very best holiday experience during their break, irrespective of their condition or care needs. These grades reflect the dedication, hard work and positive attitude that they bring to Leuchie every day.”

In March, Leuchie House took the difficult decision to temporarily close for respite to protect the health of the vulnerable families it supports. It has since re-purposed its facilities and staff team to enable the NHS to free up vital beds for people with higher medical care needs than their current occupants, providing 24 hour nursing and care for these individuals.

Iain Gray, MSP, East Lothian recently tabled a parliamentary motion, recognising both the charity’s recent Care Inspectorate report and Leuchie’s role in supporting the NHS to release hospital beds during the current emergency.

Mark Bevan, CEO explains, “Our move to temporarily support the NHS has required some significant change in the way we work, but we believe whole heartedly that in these extraordinary times this is the best use of the charity’s capabilities. It’s a new phase in Leuchie’s journey and I couldn’t be prouder of the team whose first thought is not about their job, but about what they can do to help. Our recent Care Inspectorate scores are only further evidence of the amazing job they do, and we look forward to resuming our respite service as soon as it’s safe to do so for our guests.”

The charity is expecting the outbreak to have a significant impact on its finances and continues to appeal for donations. Although the charity will receive financial support from the NHS for their service delivery, it will not cover the income the charity would have generated through their respite provision. Additionally, all of the charity’s external fundraising activity and events have been postponed or cancelled until at least the end of June in order to reduce the spread of infection.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

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