Dunbar redesign will meet needs of the people
SIR – I am writing in response to the article in the October 7 edition of the John O’Groat Journal entitled “Petition gives people a voice”.
We are pleased local people are interested in the West Caithness Redesign Project and the next North Highland Community Health Partnership Committee (CHP) meeting at which this will be discussed will be held in Thurso to make it easier for them to attend.
The aim of the redesign project is to ensure that services in west Caithness meet the changing needs of people living in this area.
The proposal is to develop the Dunbar Hospital site as a centre for community-based services, including increasing the number of outpatient clinics and X-ray services, improving physiotherapy provision and retaining the minor injuries service during peak times.
At the August meeting of the North Highland CHP Committee, members asked for clarity around the use of the Dunbar site and reconsideration of the provision of palliative care in the Thurso area.
They also asked for further information on the impact of the proposal on the Scottish Ambulance Service, the effect of any proposed changes on staff and to clarify travel issues and the socioeconomic impact of the proposal. There will be a general progress report on the project at the next meeting of the North Highland CHP committee, which will be held in the seminar room at Caithness General Hospital in Wick on Tuesday, October 25.
However, we will not be presenting the outcome of the further work we have been asked to undertake regarding west Caithness at that meeting. This will be discussed at a meeting of the CHP committee, which will be held in Thurso.
The date and venue for the Thurso meeting have yet to be arranged and will be publicised as soon as they are available.
Sheena Macleod,
North Highland Community Health Partnership general manager,
Caithness General Hospital,
Bankhead Road,
Wick.