NHS Highland has announced it is discharging patients from the RNI Hospital in Inverness as it gears up to respond to a potential second wave of Covid-19.
Patients will be discharged over the next four weeks with essential maintenance to take place to enhance the ward to manage any potential increase of the disease.
NHS Highland has described it as a “temporary suspension” and not a closure.
The health board has also apologised to staff and the local community who have spoken against the decision.
The move has been met with disapproval in the community with a petition launched against the closure, amassing more than 500 signatures.
Trade union Unison has also called on NHS Highland to halt plans which they claim “came out of the blue” for staff.
The health board has said regular reassessment will take place but that it has “no plans to permanently close the RNI Hospital”.
Patients at Inverness hospital to be discharged as health board prepares for potential second coronavirus wave
