Dave Thompson MSP

More members of the public must be invited to take part in consultation about proposed changes to medical services on Skye and Lochalsh, said Highlands and Islands MSP Dave Thompson.

Since it emerged that NHS Highland managers had decided to include the possibility of creating a single hospital site on the island in place of the current provision at both Portree and Broadford among options they were considering, there has been increasingly vocal public opposition to this suggestion.

Last week a date was set for a workshop which will form part of NHS Highland's Skye and Lochalsh Engagement Exercise but participation in this will be limited to an invited group of health professionals, focus groups and local representatives.

However Mr Thompson felt that there should be more opportunity for the general public to participate in this workshop.

"I have written to Garry Coutts, chairman of NHS Highland, to suggest that about a quarter of those present at the workshop are drawn from the community which relies upon the health services provided by NHS Highland," the SNP MSP said.

"There is a perception that NHS Highland has only invited those it feels will give the answers it wants to hear. That is why the involvement of the public is more important than ever in making sure NHS Highland focuses on those services actually needed by the community."

Mr Thompson added: "Obviously only a small number of people can take part in a workshop so I have also suggested that this exercise is followed by a full public meeting where the outcome of the workshop and any proposals this leads to can be discussed openly."

Notes:

Mr Thompson suggested that NHS Highland place a public notice in the local media in Skye and Lochalsh calling on interested members of the public to propose themselves as participants in the workshop.

If too many come forward, he suggests that 10 or 20 nominees are drawn at random to take part.