Veterans First Point Lothian Service Update

As you know public bodies in the UK are under significant cost pressures. Unfortunately NHS Lothian has taken the difficult decision to withdraw joint funding from a service that provides support to veterans in Lothian, following a stark financial review.

The health board has told Veteran’s First Point Lothian staff and patients that it can no longer provide its share - £214,778- of the total budget required, to maintain the service amid the significant financial challenge facing health boards. Scottish Government will allocate its 40 per cent share of the funding and NHS Lothian is currently reviewing the future service provision possible within the remaining budget.

This means that Veterans First Point Lothian will no longer be able to accept new referrals or commence any new episodes of treatment. Veterans, who are impacted by the change, are urged to contact the team to discuss alternative support. By April 2025, the service will cease to exist in its current form and a significant redesign and move of premises is planned by March 2025. 

Please be aware that this decision only has implications for the Veterans First Point Lothian service. Our sister services in Ayrshire and Arran, Borders, Fife, Lanarkshire and Tayside will be operating as normal. 

We would like to thank everyone for their support and consideration during this period

If you would like to give feedback on this change please email patients experience team on LOTH.Feedback@nhs.scot or call 0131 536 3370

Kind Regards

Veterans First Point Lothian Team