Caithness councillor welcomes Raigmore's new patient accommodation
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NEW patient accommodation at Raigmore has been welcomed by Caithness councillor Nicola Sinclair.
Loch Court is the second patient accommodation facility to be offered by NHS Highland for the use of patients at the Inverness hospital. Along with Kyle Court, Loch Court gives patients a less clinical environment while undergoing treatment or investigation in Raigmore.
It is aimed at patients who do not need to remain in a hospital ward but who live too far away to travel.
Councillor Sinclair, who represents Wick and East Caithness, said: "It’s great to see more accommodation being provided for patients travelling long distances to Raigmore, especially family-friendly accommodation, which is much needed.
"The journey to Inverness is a difficult one for people who are often very vulnerable due to their medical condition, mental health or age.
"It’s a notoriously challenging stretch of road and having to travel down and back in one day, or fork out for accommodation, is a major cause of stress for patients. In particular, for mothers giving birth in Raigmore the separation from family can be very upsetting at what should be a joyful time."
She added: "I know that many families previously had trouble finding a place to stay, so hopefully the new Loch Court will make a positive difference.
"Of course the ultimate goal is to deliver services locally as much as possible so that people don’t have to travel unnecessarily. In the meantime, I welcome this announcement and thank NHS Highland and the groups involved for their hard work in making it happen."
Each patient lodge has two upper floors, comprising three flats consisting of one twin and one single bedroom (both en-suite), two single bedrooms with shared toilet/shower, a communal lounge, dining room, kitchen and coin-operated laundry machines.
Loch Court provides two additional self-contained, self-catering family flats on the ground floor. The accommodation will benefit patients who require the support of family around them during their treatment time at the hospital.
NHS Highland chief executive Iain Stewart joined Raigmore Patients’ Council members Linda Burgin and Pat Dobbie at the official opening.
Mr Stewart said: “This is a fantastic facility that has been specifically designed with our patients and their families in mind. We know from patient feedback that they like having this facility on site close to the hospital and now, with the opening of Loch Court, we have facilities that will make it easier for those who need hospital treatment but also have family commitments.
“I’ve toured both Kyle and Loch Court and am so impressed with the patient accommodation that we have on site – and, from the feedback I receive, I know that our patients are too. I am delighted that I was able to mark the official opening.”
Linda Burgin said: “Patients from across Highland and other health boards have used the patient accommodation at Raigmore. It’s great to see that facility expanded with the addition of Loch Court. It can cater for so many people and we were honoured to be asked to officially open it.”
