NHS Lothian has opened up spaces across its hospitals to social enterprise partners as part of its commitment to improving population health and strengthening the communities it operates in.
As an Anchor Institution, the health board aims to enhance community connections, establish effective partnerships and offer employability opportunities while delivering high-quality, sustainable catering options for patients, staff and visitors.
The Coffee Bothy, which is now open at Lauriston Buildings, is the third new catering outlet to open at health boards sites since the summer. The kiosk is operated by Space @ The Broomhouse Hub – an Edinburgh charity with over 30 years’ experience supporting communities in South West Edinburgh. Space also opened a kiosk at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavillion earlier this year.
In the summer, another Edinburgh social enterprise, Scran Academy, launched a unique youth-led café at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. Building on four successful years operating at NHS Lothian’s Comely Bank site, the second, larger space offers employment and support for dozens of young people across Lothian.
Susan Webb, Director of Public Health and Health Policy at NHS Lothian said: “NHS Lothian is proud to be an Anchor Institution. Our mission to deliver world class health and social care is complemented by our desire to make our buildings and service delivery work in ways that support community wealth building and stable, secure employment.
“This year has been pivotal in bringing our intention to open up spaces across the NHS Lothian estate to social enterprises doing vital work in the communities we operate in. We look forward to working together to offer welcoming environments for staff, patients and visitors that promote wellbeing and connection.”
Jane Ferguson, Director of NHS Lothian Charity, said: “Access to cafés in hospital settings is so important, it gives people a welcoming place to relax, grab something to eat or drink at a reasonable price without leaving the building, and find a moment where they can gather their thoughts during what can be stressful times. By investing in the refurbishment of these café areas at the Lauriston Buildings and the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, NHS Lothian Charity has helped create spaces that promote wellbeing and make time spent in hospital a little easier for everyone, whilst also strengthening connections with the local community. As NHS Lothian’s official charity, we value the opportunity to work in strategic partnership to enhance comfort and wellbeing across its hospitals and support its role as an Anchor Institution.”
Daryn Cochrane, Head of Service for Enterprise and Learning at Space commented: “From exploring the opportunity to opening for business, the NHS and their Anchor programme have been nothing but helpful and supportive of our mission – that is to offer good food and drink at great value to the staff, patients and the local community.
“Our Coorie cafes also create jobs, training placements, and volunteering opportunities that boost our employability pathway, while at the same time generating income where every penny of profit can be ploughed back into the support projects we deliver across Edinburgh.
“Space is really appreciative of the NHS sharing the opportunity to prove our model; the collaboration throughout the process shows that when social enterprise and statutory services like the NHS work together, we create stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.”
