NHS Lothian has this week announced its ‘difficult decision’ to withdraw funding from a service that provides dedicated support to local veterans.

The health board has told Veterans First Point Lothian staff and patients that it can no longer provide its £214,778 share of the budget required to maintain the service it jointly funds with the Scottish government.

By April 2025, the ‘one stop shop’ for veterans seeking support and mental health care will cease to exist in its current form and a ‘significant redesign’ and alongside a move of the premises is planned by March 2025, according to NHS Lothian.

It comes as the health board says it has been ‘forced to review’ all services and departments in a bid to make efficiency savings of 7%.

Director of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital and Associated Services for NHS Lothian, Tracey McKigen has apologised to patients and staff:

Ms McKigen said:

“This has been a really difficult decision and we apologise to all of our patients and staff who are affected. We would like to thank the team for their dedication and commitment to supporting our veterans over the years.

“This is no reflection on the quality of the Veterans First Point Lothian service, but it does serve as a stark reminder of the extremely difficult choices that we are facing every day as we balance the need to provide safe and effective healthcare while meeting the severe financial challenges facing health board and other public sector organisations.”

Over the past 15 years, Veterans First Point Lothian has provided support to more than 2,500 veterans.

The decision to stop its funding comes as part of a further 4.6% reduction in NHS Lothian’s mental health budget, which the board says has left it unable ‘find its share’ of the service.

Finance Secretary Shona Robinson announced “difficult” budget cuts in September, with £115.8m slashed from health and social care spending in 2024-25, including £18.8m from the mental health budget.

The Scottish government is still expected to allocate its 40% share of the veteran service funding and NHS Lothian is currently reviewing the future service provision possible within the remaining budget.

However, it does mean 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 have been urged to contact the team to discuss alternative support.

If veterans feel they need help or support and are not already part of Veterans First Point Lothian, they should contact their GP during the day and at evenings and weekends, they should contact NHS 24 on 111.

healthandcare.scot has asked Veterans First Point Lothian for comment which has been advised to direct enquiries to NHS Lothian.

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