MSP announces summit to discuss future of healthcare in the Highlands
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A HIGHLAND conservative MSP has announced the launch of a summit to focus on the provision of healthcare in the region next month.
‘Let’s Talk Health’ will take place on Friday, September 8 at 7pm at a location yet to be confirmed and will include a panel discussion and an audience Q&A session.
The announcement comes part of Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain's campaign for a new acute general teaching hospital to replace the Raigmore facility.
The panel will include a senior member of NHS Highland’s board and consultants/surgeons from Raigmore Hospital.
Mr Mountain commented: “Now is the time for our region to begin a wide-ranging conversation as to what it needs from its health service and how this can be delivered sustainably.
“That’s why I am excited to announce the launch of a ‘Let’s Talk Health’ summit where Highlanders will get the chance to share their views on the health care model they would like and discuss these with a diverse panel of health care professionals.
“While we have seen good progress in some areas recently, such as the opening of the National Treatment Centre, Highlanders continue to experience long waiting lists, an A&E crisis, insufficient rural GPs and the centralisation of too many local health services.
“Raigmore Hospital has also been recognised by the Scottish Government and NHS Highland as not being fit for the future. Therefore, it is clear our health care provision in the Highlands needs a rethink and ultimately a redesign.
“The ‘Let’s Talk Health’ summit is an opportunity to hear from the public and health care professionals as to how this redesign should be shaped and how it can successfully meet the unique needs of our region."
The issue of a brand new district hospital as well as reducing waiting times, increasing rural GP numbers and attracting more health care professionals to remote and rural areas will be key discussion themes at the event.
More on entry fee and how to book a place can be found at edwardmountainmsp.scot/lets-talk-health.
