Short on time?

If you’re interested in the NHS plans for the future of the Astley Ainslie site but don’t have time to sculpt your own response you may wish to copy and paste this response when you email the NHS on loth.lsdf@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk You can view AACT’s official response too.

Do you feel the LSDF addresses the issues that are most important. If not, why not?
As a member of the Astley Ainslie Community Trust which has recently got charitable status, I found the LSDF fell short by only referencing Astley Ainslie by name twice and omitting to mention it when this would have been a reassurance.

Have we missed anything really significant in the LSDF? If so, what?
I find it odd that NHS Lothian’s commissioned report “Biodiversity and climate change assessment for the NHS Lothian estate” is scarcely mentioned, and the value of the open space for convalescence, public wellbeing, and the potential avoidance of certain healthcare and treatment costs is not acknowledged.

What, if any of the proposals set out in the LSDF worry or concern you?
As a member of the local community who benefits from the Astley Ainslie site, I find it concerning that, on page 15, this statement appears “We will also bear in mind our Anchor Institution responsibilities in the disposal of property we no longer have a use for. As an example, we would want to influence the ultimate use of the Astley Ainslie site, considering the need for affordable housing that many of our health and care staff need access to.” which seems to indicate a future affordable housing plan and not other long-term benefits.

What would you suggest that the Lothian Health and Care system could do to alleviate your concerns?
Lothian Health and Care System should give ample publicity and time for others to review such proposals. They should approach and interact with community groups and charities who have an active interest in the sites affected by their plans and meaningfully engage with locals to understand and inform their development plans. The implicit assumption made in the draft strategy that no discussion is necessary on the future of the Astley Ainslie lands seriously fails to take into consideration the strength of community interest in the land, indeed in the loving affection felt for the landscape, the hospital and its work. As you know, the Astley Ainslie Community Trust (established five years ago) are proposing a bid for Community Asset Transfer and we must see NHS dialogue to take this forward.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us before we finalise our strategy?
As a local who regularly benefits from the Astley Ainslie green space, which so vitally forms part of the green corridor from the city centre through the Meadows, Bruntsfield Links, Blackford and the Braidburn Valley Park, I hope to see far more engagement with the community on the plans for this site. There is an opportunity to partner on both the short term, in how community and NHS can work alongside each other to enjoy the built and natural environment on offer here, and in the longer term to agree on a plan for the Community Asset Transfer to secure this site for future generations to benefit from.

You can share your thoughts on the LSDF by emailing loth.lsdf@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk