NHS Highland gives assurance over hospital equipment
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AN assurance has been given by NHS Highland that equipment purchased for use in Caithness General Hospital has not been transferred to Raigmore.
Concern had been expressed by a doctor and a member of the public that some items, including personal protective equipment and a ventilator, may have ended up in Inverness.
But a spokeswoman for NHS Highland said: "As far as we are aware any personal protective equipment which was donated to the hospital, and was assessed for compliance using the health and safety guidelines, stayed in the Caithness area.
"No equipment which was ordered or purchased thanks to donations from the local community went to Raigmore."
She added: "A ventilator was not bought as it was not required. Following discussions with fundraisers and medical staff it was agreed an ECG [electrocardiogram] would be bought instead."
Regarding a claim patients did not get to use Samsung tablets as no internet is available at the hospital, the spokeswoman added: "There is wi-fi in the hospital and, with help from Raigmore, the tablets have been set up. We are also exploring how we can further use the tablets to benefit patients and staff."
