NHS Lothian provides a comprehensive range of primary, community-based and acute hospital services for the populations of Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian.

We also provide selected services for patients in the Borders and in Fife and are a national centre of expertise for various specialties provided to people across Scotland. NHS Lothian has an annual budget of £1.6 billion and employs approximately 26,000 staff.

Going to Hospital

NHS Lothian provides primary, community-based and acute hospital services for the second largest residential population in Scotland. In this section, you will find useful information about how and when to attend hospitals in Lothian.

Going to Hospital

Right Care, Right Place

The way you access urgent care has changed. Please help us, help you, by getting the right care in the right place and keep A&E free for critical emergencies.

Right Care Right Place

Waiting Times

NHS Lothian is committed to reducing waiting times and ensuring patients are seen as soon as possible. To help you understand how long you may have to wait for appointments, we publish information on current waiting times.

Waiting Times

Keep up-to-date with the latest news from NHS Lothian

Visit Our News Site

News & Media NHS Lothian | News & Media

The Infected Blood Inquiry
on May 20, 2024
The Infected Blood Inquiry published its report today (Monday May 20). The inquiry, which focussed on the transmission of Hepatitis B, HIV and Hepatitis C through blood components and plasma products during the 1970s, 80s and early 90s, issued its findings and recommendations. The inquiry began taking evidence in April 2019 after it was announced

News & Media NHS Lothian | News & Media

NHS Lothian’s Director of Public Health annual report 2023
on April 30, 2024
NHS Lothian’s Director of Public Health last week (April 24 2024) published a new annual report which provides an in-depth analysis into the health of the population of Lothian.

News & Media NHS Lothian | News & Media

Upgraded oncology services at Edinburgh Cancer Centre now delivering care
on April 19, 2024
Two units which provide vital care and treatment to some of the most unwell patients in Scotland have been transformed by NHS Lothian as part of a multi-million pound investment.

Your Rights & Privacy

NHS Lothian values your comments, good or bad, to help us improve our services. In this section you will find out how to leave compliments, concerns or complaints and about your rights including those under current Data Protection Law.

Your Rights & Privacy

Immunisations

All vaccinations and immunisations for Edinburgh and the Lothians are now being delivered by NHS Lothian and the four local health and social care partnerships, rather than GP practices, making it as easy as possible for you to get the vaccinations you need to stay healthy.

Immunisations

Get Involved

NHS Lothian wants to develop, design and deliver our services in partnership with the people who use them. You can help shape NHS Lothian, apply to be a volunteer, or make a donation to NHS Lothian Charity.

Get Involved

Our Services

An A-Z list of services provided by NHS Lothian.

Our Services

Our Organisation

Details of Board Members, Meetings & Papers, Strategies, Annual Reviews and Our Values.

Our Organisation

Work With Us

There are over 100 different career paths within NHS Lothian. Visit our Careers website to find out more.

Careers

East Region Recruitment Service

Developing a shared service approach for recruitment in the East Region Recruitment Consortium.

East Region Recruitment

NHS 24 is Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare organisation and enables you to find your nearest services and allows you to assess your symptoms to find out what you should do next.

NHS inform is Scotland’s national health information service helping you to make informed decisions about your own health and the health of the people you care for.