Public keen to play part in plans for Belford replacement

Residents and NHS Highland staff across Lochaber have been quick to accept an invitation to play a key role in planning the Belford Hospital replacement in Fort William.

An initial workshop is taking place today, Thursday August 9, to discuss the Lochaber Health and Social Care Redesign which will look at the appropriate balance between the services provided at home, in the community, in care homes and the replacement for the Belford Hospital.

The interest in this consultation event in Lochaber has been so great that the event is now over-subscribed.

NHS Highland’s head of public engagement, Maimie Thompson, said: ‘This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for local people to redesign our rural general hospital alongside the services provided in the community and the response has been incredible.

‘We invited community groups, representatives, councillors and NHS Highland staff to provide their input into the process.

‘It is clear to see the passion people have for the Belford Hospital and health and social care services across Lochaber. The workshop is interactive and in order to facilitate this we have capped the attendance at 100.

‘We would encourage anyone who wished to attend but is now unable to for whatever reason to get in touch with us. We would be happy to take comments or answer any questions before or after the event.’

The event will be facilitated by an external healthcare planner and will include representatives from NHS Highland, service users, third sector organisations and community representatives to help understand why changes are necessary and start to plan for the future.

A report of the meeting will be made available shortly after the event.

In October 2015, Highland Council bought land in Fort William at Blar Mhor from Tesco for £2 million and made it available for a new hospital.

Working in collaboration with NHS Highland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, West Highland College UHI and the Scottish Government, the Highland Council acted in an enabling role in securing this strategic site for the new hospital.

The local authority has submitted a notification of proposed development for the site masterplan and the proposals were noted at the South Planning Applications Committee earlier this year.

The workshop will be held today (Thursday August 9) in Nevis Centre in the town.

A steering group – comprising local clinical staff, members of the community and engagement sub-group – has produced a series of questions and answers that have been asked by members of the public, elected members and staff.

The questions and answers document and other information about the redesign are available to view on the NHS Highland website.

‘It is clear to see the passion people have for the Belford Hospital’