The leader of a tiny Western Isles community has warned that an ongoing crisis over lack of medical cover on the island could soon lead to a fatality.
Residents of Raasay yesterday met with NHS Highland bosses to discuss the lack of cover at evenings and weekends – which currently means that in an emergency, an air ambulance or RNLI lifeboat is called out.
For the last three months, there has been no medical provision past 5pm on weekdays or at any time during the weekend, and the local nurse has been available less than 50% of the time.
And yesterday, at a meeting attended by more than 50 of the island’s 170 people, it emerged the situation will persist throughout October.
Health chiefs have previously said the shortage has been created by recruitment problems.
However, after two hours of discussions, both sides agreed to work together on further advertising for staff.
Raasay Community Council chairwoman Margaret McVicar said: “Several people here have said that the way things are going, and we hope it does not happen, but it could soon end up with a fatality and that is obviously totally unacceptable.
“It has been like this for three months and this coming month of October there won’t be any cover. We asked specifically for an agency nurse and they said they would not consider putting one in place because there is no budget for it.
“The positive out of this meeting is that they have indicated they will re-advertise and the advert will be looked at and worked on by members of the community through a local group.”
She added that the situation may also have a serious economic impact on the island, highlighting an example of the local outdoor centre which often hosts groups of visiting children needing medical cover.
Lloyd Gudgeon, development officer of the Raasay Development Trust, said that between £10million and £20million has been invested in the island in the past 10 years, and that if the situation is not resolved it “will all be for nothing.”
Tracy Ligema, deputy director of operations for NHS Highland north and west, said: “It was a well attended – over 40 people – and constructive meeting where people could freely express their views. We answered all their questions and were honest and upfront about what we could and couldn’t do.
“We have agreed to work with the community on further advertising and also looking at options for the future.”