Public to be given a chance to question NHS Highland as Scottish Government ministers carry out annual review

NHS Highland’s annual review is set to take place at the end of next month – with the public invited to join in.

While those interested are not allowed to ask questions directly during the event, the health authority has issued an open invitation for people to submit questions in advance.

Each year, Scottish Government ministers carry out a review of all of its health boards.

NHS Highland’s will be held on September 29, from 2-3pm, with attendance possible either online or in person at the Centre for Health Science in Inverness.

The review is an opportunity for a government minister to meet clinicians, colleagues and representatives of patients, carers and communities, and to hear about the work and performance of NHS Highland over the past 12 months.

Over the past few years, the review was held virtually because of the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, it is returning to the in-person format and will be chaired by Jenni Minto MSP.

NHS Highland Chair Sarah Compton-Bishop said: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome the minister for public health and women’s health to NHS Highland, and to be able to invite the public to join us either in person or virtually.

“This will be an opportunity for us to explain the progress we’ve made in the aftermath of the pandemic, and outline some of the challenges faced by NHS boards, particularly in remote and rural areas.

“Please send in your questions. The Minister will ask a selection of these at the public meeting and we will post answers to others online.”

Questions can be emailed to: nhsh.listening@nhs.scot, with ‘Annual Review’ in the subject line by 28 August 2023.

Alternatively, people can write to FREEPOST RUAK-JGSH-TUUL, Clinical Effectiveness Team, NHS Highland (Annual Review - Community Engagement Team), Assynt House, Beechwood Park, Inverness IV2 3BW

Those wishing to attend the public meeting need not book, and are invited to attend the Centre for Health Science in the grounds of Raigmore Hospital before 2pm on September 29.

Details of how to watch the online livestream of the meeting will be published nearer the time.

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