Families Fight to Save Vital Respite Centers

0:00It's April 20th, from your city to your ears. This is Edinburgh News today, powered by AI. Families in the Lothian area are raising alarms about plans to shut down one of two vital respite centers for kids with severe disabilities. Sundock in Livingston and Calorie near Edinburgh offer short stays that give parents a much needed break from round the clock care. These purpose-built bungalows have run a roughly 50% capacity since 2019, leading NHS Lothian to review them for long term. Viability while keeping services efficient. Parents call these spots a true lifeline that keeps their homes from falling apart. One mom, Lindsey Scott, warns that losing Sundock, where her daughter stays, would spiral her family into full crisis, robbing them of time with their other child and even basic sleep without constant NHS staff in the house. The centers mark their 20th anniversary in 2023, providing 24 hour specialists nursing in a cozy, home-like setup away from hospitals.

1:01Health care for the kids gets assessed through separate channels, not part of this review. NHS Lothian is teaming up with families, staff, and local authorities who have a duty to support carers to weigh all options, expect a formal appraisal later this year to shape what comes next for these essential services.