MSPs agree new hearing on Skye health petition

MSPs at the Scottish Parliament have decided to host a further hearing on a petition seeking to reverse the proposed controversial redesign of healthcare services in Skye, Lochalsh and South West Ross.

Skye MSP Kate Forbes called for the petition to remain open, along with cross-party Highland MSPs, because of unresolved ‘grave concerns’ about healthcare provision in the north of Skye, and the Public Petitions Committee agreed to defer a decision on the final course of action on the petition until a separate review by Sir Lewis Ritchie is completed.

The Holyrood petition, which was first heard in 2015, calls for an Independent Scrutiny Panel (ISP) to be established to examine NHS Highland’s major service change proposals in the region.

Last Thursday’s committee meeting was the ninth time the petition has been discussed by MSPs. Ms Forbes commented: ‘The healthcare professionals, nurses and doctors in Portree and Broadford are doing a tremendous job and deserve our thanks and gratitude.

‘This petition has been discussed by this cross-party committee a number of times over the past few years and it has allowed committee members to request answers from NHS Highland and the Scottish Government.

‘Since the petition was first launched, out-of-hours provision has become more of a concern due to occasional suspensions.

‘That is why the review being conducted by Professor Sir Lewis Ritchie is so critical.

‘I am pleased that the committee agreed to the cross-party suggestion to keep the petition open until the review is complete.’