NHS Lothian Chairman Apologizes for Historic Slavery Ties, Announc…

John Connaghan, chairman of NHS Lothian, recently made headlines by formally apologizing for the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh’s historical financial ties to slavery. This gesture was part of an announcement of a new reparations scheme, designed to address the hospital’s past while sparking a debate on the allocation of current resources within the NHS. Advertisment Historical Ties Unveiled The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh’s connection to slavery was brought to light following a report that detailed how the hospital was part-funded by a slave plantation in the 18th century. NHS Lothian’s board took a bold step by publicly acknowledging these ties and proposing a reparations plan. This plan includes sending NHS staff to work in hospitals near the former Red Hill pen in Jamaica and commissioning new artworks, with funding expected to come mainly from NHS Lothian’s official charity. Controversy and Criticism Advertisment The health board’s decision, however, has not been without its detractors. Stephen Kerr, a Tory MSP, criticized NHS Lothian for focusing on historical issues rather than addressing the current ‘turmoil’ in the health service. With NHS Lothian facing a £133 million funding gap, there are concerns that resources might be diverted from critical healthcare services to fund the...