Bid for additional West Lothian care home beds agreed

Council Executive has approved plans to procure 10 additional beds from Randolph Hill's Kirk Lane Care Home in Livingston until March 2022.
The West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (WLHCSP) work to ensure people leaving hospital have appropriate care, either at home or in a care setting. There have been significant challenges with the supply of care at home support and care home beds across Scotland recently, due to issues such as Covid-19, staffing levels and capacity. 
Recently opened Kirk Lane is the only care home in West Lothian with capacity to meet the required need, providing accommodation in a central location to support the care and rehabilitation of those who need it.
Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: "I'm pleased that we have agreed to procure additional care home beds in West Lothian to help support some of our most vulnerable residents.
"The period after hospital care can be critical to long-term recovery, and these additional beds will help us make sure that West Lothian residents can receive they care they need after leaving hospital.
"I'm sure everyone is aware of the huge challenges facing the health and care sector across Scotland, so it's important we do all we can to secure the resources we need to meet these challenges here in West Lothian."
Following Council Executive approval, it is hoped to conclude an agreement with owners Randolph Hill shortly, with all costs funded by additional money provided by the Scottish Government specifically for interim care.