Basic health services takehigh priority

Sutherland councillors have updated their local manifesto in the wake of a change of line-up at the May elections.

The new area committee has pledged to “give more of a voice” to the area after taking a fresh look at plans outlined at a Lairg summit last year that promised to focus on transport, the coastal environment, economic development, infrastructure, employment, support for fragile communities and education.

Meeting yesterday it added “energy, transport, community benefit and access to local health services” to the priority list.

Committee chairwoman Linda Munro said: “It’s a good time

“The council will do all it can to support Sutherland”

to review and reaffirm our priorities and our commitment to work collaboratively.”

The committee agreed to write to the director of public health to raise concerns about access to services such as dentistry in Kinlochbervie.

It also wants improvements to access to care and respite, patient transport, dementia and disability-friendly environments, and better child care and assisted care for the elderly.

Council leader Margaret Davidson told the meeting: “The council will do all it can to support members and the people of Sutherland.”

NHS Highland hopes to recruit another GP for Sutherland.

“The board has prioritised the dental clinic in Lairg as the focus for access for patients in northwest Sutherland,” said a spokesman. “Also, we’re actively looking to improve basic local health services including exploring ways to enhance access to services by using, for example, video conferencing.”