St. Michaels Hospital

Linlithgow, a historic Scottish burgh some 20 miles west of Edinburgh and approx an hour from Glasgow . In 1542 it became the birthplace of probably the most famous Scottish queen , Mary Queen Of Scots. Housing the fantastic ruins of Linlithgow Palace which at one time has housed all the Stewart Kings. Situated beside the loch it was built with many French charecteristics and some parts have been likened to that of the Blois in the Loire Valley in France . Many famous historical figures have stayed at the palace at some time during its lifetime including Oliver Cromwell around 1650 and then in 1745 when he was only 25 years old, Bonnie Prince Charlie .

Housing the local courthouse for the county of Linlithgowshire ( now named West Lothian ) the town also has a canalway ( Union Canal ) which has "boat trips " during the summer months.

The patron saint of the town is St. Michaels and its motto is St.Michael is kinde to strangers.

The St. Michaels hospital is based on the outskirts of the town on the Edinburgh Road and sitting high on a hill overlooks the town. In years gone by it was at one time the local poorhouse from 1856 but was demolished in 1969 and is now the day care centre for the elderly. Whilst in the new block there is a 30 bed mixed sex unit with small wards for each sex and single rooms for some. The majority of the patients who are admitted are over 65 though there are a few cases below this.

This NHS Lothian hospital provides care for mainly those in the final chapters of their illnesses whether cancer or unspecified. The hospital can facilitate the admission of patients on a regular basis allowing for their conditions to be reviewed and any support or further investigations to be undertaken .

The local doctors practise in Linlithgow looks after the routine medical needs of the patients whilst the consultants from St. Johns hospital in Livingston approx 15 miles away visit for more in depth reviews.

The hospital is well supported by many outside agencies and has many volunteers and its marvelous " League Of Friends" who do much for the patients needs, organising entertainment and different activities and trips for its occupants.

For the patients of the hospital this is important to retain their links to the outside world.

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