Anger ahead of talks on Glenelg and Arnisdale GP plans

Glenelg. Pic: Norrie Adamson/Geograph Glenelg lies on the north west Highland mainland
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A protest is to be held outside a health board meeting which will consider medical cover for a remote part of the Highlands.

A doctor who covered Glenelg and Arnisdale has left for a secondment to the Scottish government and residents fear he will not be replaced.

NHS Highland said it would be considering various options.

The Scottish government said any plans should be "based on the need to maintain and improve" the service.

Locum GPs have been covering the vacant post since Dr Simon Hurding left in October.

NHS Mid Highland Community Health Partnership was expected to meet later to consider options for future cover.
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Community representatives are involved in all discussions ”

End Quote Alison Phimister NHS Highland

People from the communities on the west Highland mainland coast opposite Skye have been planning to stage a demonstration outside the meeting in Dingwall.

The campaigners said they have concerns medical services could eventually be covered by professionals based at other sites.

They said it would take a doctor in Broadford, on Skye, or a paramedic stationed in Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland, more than an hour to reach Arnisdale.

Campaigners have written to Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon asking for her to step in to protect their GP service, claiming that she has taken such action previously.

A campaign spokesperson said: "The gravity of the situation here is no less serious than it was to warrant the intervention Nicola Sturgeon gave to the Torridon and Applecross communities a few years ago.

"We have evidence that the data gathered and reports prepared by Mid Highland CHP are far from robust and this is completely unacceptable."
'Public engagement'

The Scottish government said it was aware NHS Highland was developing options for future medical service provision for the communities.

A spokeswoman added: "Any proposals should be based on the need to maintain and improve the quality of the service provided to local people and on appropriate public engagement.

"NHS boards are responsible for planning and delivering local services."

Alison Phimister, NHS Highland Ross Cromarty and West Ness Locality general manager, said no decisions have been taken at this stage.

She said: "Mid Highland Community Health Partnership is looking at the options to ensure continuity of care for patients of Glenelg Medical Practice in Lochalsh after the departure of Dr Simon Hurding, who left the practice in October to take up a secondment with the Scottish government.

"Community representatives are involved in all discussions and in the working groups that have been set up to look at primary care in hours and out of hours services and at the emergency and immediate care response for the area."

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