A north minister has criticised NHS Highland’s proposals to redesign hospital services on Skye – and claimed they will hurt the frail and vulnerable.
The Rev John Murray, the parish minister of Kilmuir and Stenscholl, has called for an independent review of the decision to build a new hospital at Broadford, with a smaller facility in Portree.
The proposals have caused an outcry locally because of the removal of inpatient beds and emergency services from Portree.
Last week NHS Highland’s board agreed to submit a case for funding to the Scottish Parliament’s capital investment group.
But Mr Murray accused the health board of ignoring a church report on rural deprivation and pursuing a plan which will reduce access to healthcare.
He described the decision as “astounding”, adding that he believed it would make social deprivation more acute.
He added: “What concerns me is that many in the parish are elderly, living alone, in poor health, have no cars, live up side roads, and are on low incomes.
“How are they going to access these far off facilities? That involves subsistence costs, not to mention having to get to the end of the road in all weathers to catch the bus, and spending a full day away from home.
“What’s the use of a free bus pass if you can’t get to the bus stop?
“Good government involves looking after their people on the margins, not making things worse.
“There’s a deep sense of injustice about the way the whole process has been carried out – it should have been needs-led.
“NHS Highland say the majority of people voted for it. That’s all very well for running shows like X Factor, but hardly the way to ensure equality of access to healthcare.”
Maimie Thompson, NHS Highland’s head of PR and engagement, said the board was aware of the report and had carried out further analysis on the matters raised.
She added that Health Secretary Shona Robison had already rejected an independent review.
She said: “It is the case that in the new arrangements all the medical inpatient beds will be provided from the new facility in Broadford, but there are no plans – and there never had been plans – to transfer accident and emergency-type services. These will remain in Portree.
“The Portree doctors, along with other doctors across Skye, Lochalsh and south-west Ross, are fully engaged in the process and are supportive.”
She added that there was still work to be done to develop community services and care at home.