Nine cafes across Edinburgh and Midlothian hospitals are set to close across the city and the Lothians over February and March.
The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) runs outlets across a number of NHS Lothian sites including five outlets at the Western General.
Edinburgh Live understands that the NHS Lothian Facilities Team, alongside site directors, are working to organise alternative arrangements at the sites affected.
At hospitals where other existing catering facilities are available, this will involve extending their opening hours.
Lauriston Building, Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion and Midlothian Community Hospital will not have any other catering facilities on site after the RVS close their current sites.
NHS Lothian told Edinburgh Live that the facilities team is exploring "every option" to ensure cafes are replaced as soon as possible.
They also clarified that communication has been provided to all staff as well ass signage highlighting the closing date for each of the outlets - to be displayed by or in them.
The health board will continue to communicate with staff on each of the affected sites to provide updates on the specific arrangements that will be available for them moving forward.
With the exception of the facilities at East Lothian Community Hospital, all outlets will close throughout February and March.
Sites across the city that will close over February and March include -
- Royal Edinburgh Hospital RVS Retail Services
- Astley Ainslie Hospital RVS Retail Services
- Western General Hospital - (Oncology) RVS Retail Services
- Western General Hospital - Alexander Donald RVS Retail Services
- Western General Hospital - (Oncology) RVS Retail Services
- Western General Hospital RVS Retail Services
- Western General - Anne Ferguson RVS Retail Services
- Midlothian Community Hospital
- Lauriston Building and PAEP
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Morag Campbell, Director of Facilities, NHS Lothian, said: “The Royal Voluntary Service has made the decision to close their catering and retail outlets which are located across some of our sites.
"While this decision is disappointing, we are working hard to ensure that alternative provision can be made available as soon as possible."
She added: "This includes extending the opening hours of other existing catering facilities on these sites.
"We will continue to ensure that staff, patients and visitors are kept informed. The facilities at East Lothian Community Hospital will continue to operate as normal.”
The Royal Voluntary Service has been approached for comment.
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