There has been a softening in NHS Shetland’s stance on its controversial travel policy, which might ultimately result in the health board ditching unpopular plans to make an overnight ferry trip the default option for patients.
Following a private board meeting on Tuesday at which a potential improved deal with airline Loganair was discussed, chairman Ian Kinniburgh said it was now recognised that the initial £1 million-a-year savings target was overly optimistic.
With Loganair making an offer that could save NHS Shetland a considerable six-figure sum on airfares – it currently spends £2.7 million a year on patient travel – it now appears to be a question of whether the savings gap between the two options can be narrowed sufficiently.
In March the board voted 6-4 to make NorthLink ferry journeys the preferred option for most patients attending appointments and treatment in Aberdeen.
But following a considerable public outcry in recent weeks, Mr Kinniburgh told reporters after Tuesday’s meeting that there “could be an alternative solution”.
Further talks with Loganair are planned on Wednesday, though the chairman said he had “no regrets” that the board voted the way it did last month.
He also insisted the decision to press ahead with the policy – prior to conducting detailed research into the implications – had not been a negotiating ploy.
“It’s fair to say that we have been in discussions with Loganair and they have put an offer on the table for us,” Mr Kinniburgh said.
“It clearly falls significantly short of the amount that we’d hope to release by transferring patients to boat travel, but nevertheless it is a significant offer and I’m really pleased that they’ve done that.
“Grampian have shifted their stance [on looking at the volume of appointments given to Shetland patients], Loganair have shifted their stance, and clinicians have helped us clarify what some of the clinical things are.
“The public have quite rightly raised a number of other things around potential social exemptions.”
He continued: “It’s likely the savings would still be considerable. I’d be surprised if Loganair could match that, but if the gap isn’t as substantial… then it is possible that the board would reconsider its decision.”