More than 300 islanders protest for Portree hospital
IAN BLACKFORD MP and Kate Forbes MSP joined more than 300 islanders in Portree on Saturday to highlight concerns about the retention of local accident and emergency services.
And the two politicans are now welcoming news that NHS Highland is to launch an external review of urgent care, minor injuries and A&E provision for north Skye.
Whilst both Mr Blackford and Ms Forbes are firmly behind plans for a new hospital in Broadford, they have also long campaigned for the retention of A&E service and beds in Portree to complement the new hospital.
They each spoke in support of the review at last Saturday’s rally in Portree. Mr Blackford said there were legitimate concerns as to the future of A&E provision and that he was delighted these would be addressed through the establishment of an external review of the arrangements of urgent care, minor injuries and access to A&E.
‘While this announcement by NHS Highland is an important step forward and creates the opportunity to consider the complementary nature of services in Portree with the new hospital in Broadford, I will continue to press for early meetings with clinicians to confirm terms of reference and a timescale for the external input,’ he said.
‘It is clear to me the case for the retention of A&E is irrefutable and I fully expect the external review will conclude the effectiveness of past A&E delivery and the continuing need for patients to access services within the golden hour, demonstrating why services must be retained on a 24/7 basis in Portree.’
Ms Forbes commented: ‘There was a real show of strength and solidarity in Portree as more than 300 people turned up for the march and speeches.
‘After my last meeting with Save Portree Hospital campaigners, I wrote to the cabinet secretary for health and NHS Highland to make two points.
‘Firstly, that there was a gulf between reassurances being given about the future of Portree Hospital and people’s experiences on the ground. In answer to that, there will be an independent, external review of the services provided in Portree Hospital. Secondly, that the people of north and west Skye need a way of shaping the future of Portree Hospital.
‘The cabinet secretary’s means of answering that is to establish a forum for sharing information and taking forward actions.
‘I believe progress is being made and it is to the credit of the campaigners for not giving up.’