Scottish MS Respite Centre To Close
Scotland’s only respite care centre for people with multiple sclerosis is to close later this year.
The decision to shut Leuchie House near North Berwick was taken following an 18-month review to assess whether it met the needs of those living with MS.
The MS Society chief executive, Simon Gillespie, delivered the news to the 85 staff, at a meeting earlier.
The MS Society have used Leuchie House as a respite centre since 1998.
Elizabeth Vokurka, who has MS, said: “The decision to close Leuchie House is a huge loss.
“A facility such as this is invaluable to people – both carers and the people who suffer from MS and who are significantly affected by the condition.”
Leuchie House was originally run by the Servite Sisters, under the name the Richard Cave Holiday Home, before it was handed over to the MS Society.
The centre offers day care and holidays for people with MS and their families.
When the home was run by nuns Thea Lyst, 67, stayed there three times with her sister Kay Donald, who had MS, having travelled up from the north east of England.
“It’s very sad to hear it’s closing down,” Mrs Lyst said.
“It will be a big loss as these places are hard to find – somewhere where both the carers and those with MS get a break.
“Sometimes the carers were taken on days out and it was nice to know the people with MS were being looked after by someone who understood the illness.
“The atmosphere was wonderful. It was just a very peaceful place, very relaxing and with wonderful care and facilities.”
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