Council get update on Belford replacement

Kilmallie Community Council has been updated on the Review of Social and Health Care Services in Lochaber, including a replacement for the Belford Hospital.

Maimie Thompson, head of PR and engagement at NHS Highland, was welcomed to the council's June meeting to give a progress report.

Ms Thompson said much of the NHS’ business was about managing change, largely as a result of demographic change in society.

The review of social and health care services is being overseen by a steering group, with clinical, transport and communications and engagement groups included.

Ms Thompson also noted NHS Highland has never built a rural general hospital before and it needs to be fit for the future. What is inside

depends on social and health care services outside, hence the re-vamp is being handled as one project.

She said having the Blàr Mòr site helps greatly and, with a fair wind, construction is expected to begin in 2020/21.

A new project, NHS NearMe, is being developed which allows video appointments in the Belford or GP surgeries to reduce the number of people travelling to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, for brief appointments.

A workshop on service design is being held on Thursday August 9 from 10am to 3pm at the Nevis Centre, Fort William, and Ms Thompson encouraged people to register and get along.