News / NHS centralisation concerns
SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott has again raised concerns over the Scottish Government’s commitment to protecting the independence of the country’s island health boards.
Earlier this year, the Scottish Government said it would “examine the number, structure and regulation of health boards” in a fresh review, leading to concerns island boards could be amalgamated.
During a debate in the Scottish parliament in Thursday, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur called on the government to protect NHS boards in areas like Shetland.
In response, SNP mental health minister Maureen Watt confirmed there is no timetable in place yet for the government’s review.
After the debate, Scott said there was a “lack of information” emanating from the government on its intentions.
“This debate showed the extent to which a one-size-fits-all approach is opposed by MSPs,” he said.
“Instead of reassuring us that the government’s plans will protect NHS Shetland and NHS Orkney, the government sent the mental health minister, who suggested that there may be no need for separate health boards in the future.
“The government must clarify what will be included in its review and when it will take place. Until then, the uncertainty will only deter those in the medical profession from considering a job with NHS Shetland, which desperately needs these skills.”
In the debate, Liam McArthur asked the Scottish Government to recognise the risk that may be associated with a “less accountable”, centralised set-up.
The session was concluded by Watt, who assured parliament that the “unique needs” of the islands will be reflected when the government begins its review.
“We will continue to identify specific solutions for our island communities to help them to continue to flourish and prosper in the years ahead,” she said.
McArthur’s motion was backed by a cross-party range of MSPs, including Conservative Donald Cameron and Scottish Greens’ John Finnie.
SNP Highlands and Islands list MSP Maree Todd, however, disagreed that any potential amalgamation of health boards could be to the detriment of “the best possible health care in the islands”.
She said sharing of resources might be easier in a set-up encompassing wider areas, while it may also diminish the idea of “false boundaries”.
Responding to Scott’s concerns, a spokeperson for the Scottish Government said: “As was set out in the programme for government, we will begin work in this parliament to examine the structure of health boards, so that we can reduce bureaucracy and remove any barriers to effective patient care.
“This is about supporting excellent patient care and protecting front line services. This review has not yet begun, but our commitment to Scotland’s island communities is unrivalled and will ensure that they continue to be served by first-class healthcare facilities.”
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