Residents in Caithness over the age of 75 set to double in 20 years

FIFTEEN per cent of the local population will be over the age of 75 by 2033.

That was what Sheena Macleod, the general manager of the North Highland Community Health Partnership, told members of the Castletown and District Community Council.

She said the demographic changes will mean the number of people in Caithness over the age of 75 will double from 2000 to 4000 in just over 20 years.

Mrs Macleod was invited to the meeting to give a talk on the controversial west of Caithness redesign health plans which could see the closing of inpatient beds at the Dunbar Hospital in Thurso and a reduction in the opening hours at the minor injuries unit.

She said the rise in the number of elderly is one of the factors driving the changes but pointed out health inflation is higher than budget increases while some buildings are beyond economic repair.

Mrs Macleod said under the plans the Dunbar would become a centre for treating long-term conditions such as heart disease, respiratory problems and diabetes. It would be the location for community-based services with staff from the Thurso health centre moving there.

Mrs Macleod said investment would have to be made to improve the service and to achieve that it is planned to close the 12 inpatient beds and reduce the opening hours of the minor injuries unit.

She said Caithness General Hospital in Wick would be used for any emergency admissions.

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