The Scottish Government has approved the outline business case for the redesign of hospital and community services in Skye and Badenoch and Strathspey.
Proposals include investment in new community hospital “hubs” located in Broadford and Aviemore with a combined construction cost of about £30 million.
The full business case for both projects is scheduled to be presented to the government early next year, with construction starting following approval.
The publication of Sir Lewis Ritchie’s report on May 8 has also been widely welcomed by communities in Skye.
Key recommendations of his report include ensuring 24/7 access to out of hours (OOH) urgent care at Portree Hospital, retaining in-patient care and boosting ambulance cover and developing a rural training centre of excellence for clinical staff.
There will also be refurbishment of existing premises including the Portree Hospital building as well as Broadford and Kyle health centres, as well as an increase in community health and care support workers as part of the wider redesign.
The Ritchie report was commissioned by NHS Highland after numerous concerns were raised by people living in north Skye over the provision of services in the area when the new 24-bed Broadford Hospital opens.
But yesterday Skye councillor Ronald MacDonald said he is hopeful of a “new beginning” for health services in Skye, stressing that Sir Lewis is expected to visit in six months to track progress.
Mr MacDonald said dialogue must also continued over provision and location of inpatient community beds on Skye, particularly for the north of the island.
In Badenoch and Strathspey, care provision will continue to shift away from hospital to community with an increase in community nurses and mental health workers and care at home staff.
As part of the redesign there will be a new 24-bed community hospital “hub” located in Aviemore and the refurbishment of existing premises including medical practices in Grantown and Kingussie.
These developments will ensure a range of services currently located in the Ian Charles Community Hospital in Grantown and St Vincent’s Hospital in Kingussie – both to eventually close as part of the redesign – will be provided locally.