Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch recently (10/06/15) used Question Time in the Parliament to ask the Scottish Government what it is doing in the Highlands to ensure that NHS infrastructure is fit for the 21st century.

Mr Thompson questioned and the Cabinet Secretary who confirmed that the significant investment planned for the next decade in Raigmore, including a potential new build would not be at the expense of state of the art new hospitals in Fort William, Badenoch and Strathspey and on Skye.

Mr Thompson said, “I am heartened by the Government’s response that existing capital projects will continue as planned and in particular I am pleased that NHS Highland will continue to develop its plans for a future replacement of the Belford hospital in Fort William, and that Badenoch and Strathspey and Skye proposals will continue, irrespective of developments at Raigmore.

Overall, this will massively improve NHS infrastructure for all of the Highlands, which answers my original question and is fantastic news”.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport, Shona Robison, confirmed that the Scottish Government has been in discussions with NHS Highland over the future of facilities and that a master plan had been presented by NHS Highland to its board. The plan outlines a number of available options, taking into account clinical, public and financial considerations, and the Government confirmed it will work closely with NHS highland to ensure that the plan delivers.

Dave said, “I welcome that plans are progressing on the future of NHS Services in the Highlands”.

Notes:

Dave’s exchange in Parliament with the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport, Shona Robison below:

1. Dave Thompson (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP): To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing in the Highlands to ensure that NHS infrastructure is fit for the 21st century. (S4O-04428) The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport (Shona Robison): We have been in discussions with NHS Highland over the future of facilities in the Moray Firth area and it was agreed that a master plan was required in order to ensure that the totality of the investment that is needed in NHS Highland facilities was fully understood. NHS Highland recently presented a master plan to its board that outlines a number of available options taking into account clinical, public and financial considerations. We will work closely with NHS Highland to ensure that the plan delivers the best possible outcome for the people of NHS Highland.

2. Dave Thompson: I very much welcome that answer. Can the cabinet secretary confirm that the significant investment that is planned for the next decade—particularly at Raigmore—including a potential new build will not be at the expense of the planned state-of-the-art facilities at Fort William with the replacement of the Belford hospital, in Badenoch and Strathspey and on Skye?

3. Shona Robison: I am happy to confirm to Dave Thompson that the state-of-the-art new hospitals in Badenoch and on Skye will not be adversely impacted by the plans for Raigmore hospital. Those existing capital projects will continue as planned and they will absolutely contribute to an improved infrastructure that will allow NHS Highland to successfully implement the Highland care strategy, which outlines its vision for the future delivery of health and social care services for people in the Highlands for the next 10 years. NHS Highland will continue to develop its plans for a future replacement for the Belford hospital in Fort William as well. In respect of Raigmore, the member will be aware that NHS Highland has identified five main options and that it plans to undertake a full public consultation on them. We will, of course, consider the plans when they are submitted, but I am confident that they will tie in with the overall strategy as NHS Highland takes it forward.

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=10005&i=91822