STAFF at Leuchie House respite centre, near North Berwick, are celebrating after a recent inspection saw it rated among the best providers of care in Scotland.

Following an unannounced inspection in January, the Care Inspectorate awarded Leuchie House the highest possible score in four categories and the second highest in a fifth.

The categories were: quality of care and support; quality of staffing; quality of leadership; how well people’s wellbeing is supported; and quality of setting.

The report said: “Guests experienced respectful and compassionate care at each stage of their interaction with the service. There is a clear vision in Leuchie House that is inspiring and promotes equality and inclusion for all.”

Leuchie House supports and provides essential respite breaks to people across Scotland living with the long-term effects of a neurological condition, as well as their families and carers.

It also offers a day respite service for those living in the local community.

The charity employs 80 members of staff, including qualified nurses and care workers. All are experienced at caring for people with complex and challenging medical needs.

Leuchie also relies on about 60 local volunteers to help it deliver its service.

Emma Jenson, Leuchie House’s head of care, told the Courier: “I am bursting with pride. Our staff and volunteer team go above and beyond to give every guest the very best holiday experience during their break, irrespective of their condition or care needs.

“These grades reflect the dedication, hard work and positive attitude that they bring to Leuchie every day.”

In March, Leuchie temporarily stopped its respite breaks and repurposed its facilities and staff team to take in NHS patients, allowing the NHS to free up vital beds. Leuchie provides 24-hour nursing and care for these individuals.

Mark Bevan, CEO, said: “Our move to temporarily support the NHS has required some significant change in the way we work, but we believe wholeheartedly that in these extraordinary times this is the best use of the charity’s capabilities.

“It’s a new phase in Leuchie’s journey and I couldn’t be prouder of the team whose first thought is not about their job but about what they can do to help.

“Our recent Care Inspectorate scores are only further evidence of the amazing job they do, and we look forward to resuming our respite service as soon as it’s safe to do so for our guests.”

East Lothian’s MSP Iain Gray recently tabled a motion in the Scottish parliament to recognise both Leuchie’s recent Care Inspectorate scores and its role in supporting the NHS.

Leuchie is expecting the outbreak to have a significant impact on its finances and continues to appeal for donations.