Remote area healthcare provision trial launched
A PILOT scheme in the Highlands will test ways of delivering healthcare in remote areas.
Health Minister Alex Neil announced the move as he visited the communities at the western end of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula which fought a long, and at times outspoken campaign, to retain their 24/7 nursing cover.
The nearest ambulance to the villages of Kilchoan, Glenborrodale, Portuairk, Sanna and Kilmory, was at Strontian almost an hour away while the next one was in Mallaig which could take two hours. The hospital at Fort William is two hours away when the Corran Ferry is off at night.
After protracted talks, which led to the intervention of ex-Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon, a team of five emergency responders, including an ambulance technician and retired healthcare professionals such as the former nurse, was set up and trained.
It is likely to feature in the new thinking along with an increased role for tele-medicine, consulting experts at a distance.
On a visit to Kilchoan, Mr Neil said: “I am committed to ensuring all communities in Scotland receive safe and sustainable healthcare services.
“This pilot scheme for remote healthcare, which is being led by NHS Highland, will play a vital role in helping to meet the needs of rural communities.”
Gill McVicar, director of operations for North and West area of NHS Highland, said NHS Highland said she was looking forward to working with the Scottish Government, local communities and partners, to explore, test and evaluate different models for the future.
Meanwhile, Kilchoan is also to be linked via satellite to Aberdeen’s Emergency Care Centre. A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Once the telehealth link is established in Kilchoan it will allow emergency responders there to video conference with senior clinicians in central hubs, like the emergency care centre in Aberdeen, to discuss the most appropriate pathway of care for each patient.”