The Highland Health and Social Care Committee is to look at whether the consultation process to redesign NHS services in Skye, Lochalsh and South West Ross was followed appropriately.
It is understood they will consider the report on Thursday (6 November), which also includes feedback from an independent review by the Scottish Health Council regarding the process.
In its report last month, the Scottish Health Council said it was "satisfied" that the process had been followed properly.
It concluded: "Based on our review and feedback from local people we are satisfied that NHS Highland has followed Scottish Government guidance on involving local people in the consultation.
"Overall, feedback received indicated that the majority of people had understood the reasons for change, how the proposals had been developed, and felt listened to and that there have been sufficient opportunities to take part in the consultation."
Gill McVicar, Director of Operation for NHS Highland's north and west operational unit, and co-author of the report, added: "This is another key stage in the process and the committee will consider all the feedback relating to the public consultation process. In particular, it will consider any criticism or concerns raised. We did our best to respond to queries or requests for information during the consultation."
Maimie Thompson, head of public relations and engagement at NHS Highland, commented: "Any decision taken by the board of NHS Highland on both the service model and the location of the proposed 'hub' and 'spoke' facilities must be underpinned with confidence that major service change guidance has been followed.
"The board will need to be satisfied that the issues have been understood, the case for change is clear and that proposed service model will address the current and future issues."
On Tuesday, it was reported that campaigners said they could seek a judicial review into the consultation process. According to the BBC, a campaign was launched by residents after Broadford was selected as the preferred site for the new hospital rather than Portree, the island's capital.
In March this year, a steering group, established by NHS Highland, made the site selection following a public consultation. The preferred site will provide a base for community health and social care workers, and will also be used by the Scottish Ambulance Service.
In addition to the new "hub" facility, it was recommended that local services should also be modernised. As a result, Portree Hospital is to be upgraded under the plans, and NHS Highland said this facility would act as a smaller "spoke" facility to the new hospital.
(JP/MH)
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
22/11/2024
SP Energy Networks has announced a major investment in Britain's electricity grid, selecting 19 preferred partners to deliver a £5.4bn supply chain programme. This significant initiative aims to meet increasing energy demand and facilitate future growth. The selected companies, many of which are ...
22/11/2024
Edinburgh City Council has launched a 12-week public consultation on a new strategy to revitalise Princes Street and the wider Waverley Valley. The vision aims to create a more vibrant and welcoming city centre, attracting investment, supporting businesses, and enhancing the visitor ...
22/11/2024
Ener-G Services Limited, a leading UK electrical engineering company specialising in renewables, marine, and offshore sectors, has expanded its operations in Westhill, Aberdeenshire. The company has leased Unit 6E at Kingshill Commercial Park, a 2,500 sq ft space, on a 5-year lease. This new ...
22/11/2024
A consortium of leading scientists, industry experts, and academic institutions has joined forces to accelerate Scotland's offshore wind sector. The £2.5 million project, led by the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with the University of Dundee and the Forth and Tay Offshore cluster (FTO), ...
22/11/2024
The Port of Aberdeen and Turner & Townsend were highly commended in the 'Engineering, Construction & Infrastructure Project of the Year' category at the APM Project Management Awards 2024. The award recognises excellence in project management and the positive impact on end-users. The £420 million ...
22/11/2024
South Lanarkshire Council's £10 million fire safety improvement programme has reached a significant milestone, with CCG (Scotland) completing installations in over 1,700 high-rise residences across East Kilbride and Cambuslang. The Glasgow-based construction firm has been working closely with the ...
22/11/2024
SSEN Transmission, a key player in the UK's energy transition, is set to further expand its workforce and move into a new, sustainable office space in Glasgow. The company's commitment to net zero and the increasing demand for green energy workers has led to significant growth, with the number of ...
22/11/2024
Scottish Water is investing in the upgrade of its Loch Eck clean water plant in Dunoon. The project involves replacing outdated dry well pumps with new, more reliable pumps capable of operating in both wet and dry conditions. WGM Engineering, an RSK Group company, has been tasked with carrying out ...
22/11/2024
Scottish Land & Estates has expressed serious concerns over the Scottish Government's Land Reform Bill, particularly the provisions that would allow ministers to force landowners to sell large estates in lots. Sarah-Jane Laing, the organisation's chief executive, stated that while the land-based ...
22/11/2024
Clark Contracts employees have once again shown their commitment to community engagement by volunteering at Silverburn Park in Leven. On Thursday, 21st November, 16 members of the team spent their day planting over 400 trees and carrying out other landscaping tasks. This latest volunteering effort ...