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Scottish Government and local MSP Maree Todd respond to calls for better healthcare in the far north


By Gordon Calder

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The Scottish Government and local MSP Maree Todd have responded to calls from Caithness campaigners and councillors for better healthcare in the far north.

The campaigners issued a document earlier this week called Healthcare Crisis in the North Highlands which outlines their concerns, including the plight of many mothers-to-be who face trips of over 100 miles to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness following the downgrading of the maternity unit at Caithness General in November 2016.

Several groups and individuals have added their voice to the growing demand for action.

A petition launched by John O'Groats-based health campaigner, Rebecca Wymer, calling for an emergency in-depth review of women’s health services in Caithness and Sutherland received 2752 signatures when it closed earlier this month.

Commenting on the situation, Caithness Sutherland and Ross SNP MSP, Maree Todd, said: "High quality, safe and locally accessible healthcare is vital for everyone.

"I regularly advocate for improved health care services for my constituents in Caithness and I will continue to do so to ensure their voices are heard."

Maree Todd says "high quality, safe and locally accessible healthcare is vital for everyone."
Maree Todd says "high quality, safe and locally accessible healthcare is vital for everyone."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the petition calling for an in-depth review of Women’s Health services in Caithness and Sutherland and will reply to the public petitions committee on the concerns raised.

"Women's health is a key priority and we are working to address inequalities in all aspects of health that women are facing, which is why we published an ambitious plan in August to ensure all our health and social care services meet the needs of all women, everywhere."

She added: "In addition, the Scottish Government welcomes the Best Start North review, commissioned by NHS Grampian, Highland and the Island boards, to examine maternity and neonatal services in the north of Scotland and, in consultation with local people, to develop the best possible sustainable model for the future."

Among those who contributed to the Healthcare Crisis document are Caithness Health Action Team (CHAT); Iain Gregory, of Caithness Roads Recovery; local campaigner for improved health-care Kirsteen Campbell; Matthew Reiss, independent councillor for Thurso and Northwest Caithness and Jill Tilt, Liberal Democrat councillor for Wick and East Caithness.

Mrs Campbell, who has been a gynaecology patient from the age of 15, stressed: "It deeply saddens me how our wonderful service has been downgraded and has left our county in an incredibly dangerous situation."

Councillor Matthew Reiss added: "Caithness needs the Scottish Government to start listening, treating the area equally and immediately taking a long hard look at the existing transport situation."

He described the birth rate at the refurbished maternity unit at Caithness General at just over one baby a month as a national scandal.

CHAT said: "Many aspects of our healthcare have been centralised to Raigmore, leaving our community disempowered and vulnerable, with women, children and the elderly being most detrimentally impacted."


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