NHS Highland was last night accused of attempting to scrap up to 10 beds at an island hospital and send patients into private care – or to another hospital 26 miles away.
Union chiefs claim the health authority is “ignoring the requirements of the people of Skye” by seeking to remove beds from Portree Hospital.
The beds are currently used by patients requiring care after surgery or treatment before they are returned home, or into community care.
Trade union GMB Scotland has claimed that the move was “not in the spirit of” recommendations made in a high-level review of health provision on Skye, carried out by Sir Lewis Ritchie.
Liz Gordon, regional organiser for GMB Scotland, said patients will be forced into private care or being sent further from their community – including to Broadford Hospital, 26 miles away.
She said: “NHS Highland is ignoring the requirements of the people of Skye.
“The perilous nature of our Highland transport system, geography and weather, seems to make no impact on these decision makers.
“We are left with the impression that the senior management team are putting other priorities ahead of the safety and welfare of residents.”
Sir Lewis Ritchie, who led the review, made a series of recommendations for Portree, including that out-of-hours service be provided on a 24/7 basis and increasing ambulance cover.
They were accepted by NHS Highland.
Professor Ritchie, who also proposed retaining in-patient care, said: “What has happened before has not worked, and that is reflected in my recommendations.”
The report was commissioned by NHS Highland after numerous concerns were raised by people living in North Skye as to the provision of services in the area when the new Broadford Hospital opens.
These worries were compounded by the temporary withdrawal of out of hours cover on several occasions over the past festive season.
Highlands and Islands regional MSP Rhoda Grant said: “This proposal will not repair relationships and will be seen by many on the island as NHS Highland being dogmatic, uncaring and failing to listen to the needs of the islanders once again. Before such decisions are made, I would urge NHS Highland to consult with all stakeholders which includes the community on the island.”
Skye MSP Kate Forbes said: “There should be clarity on the way forward and the Ritchie Report was clear about the need to enhance services in the north of Skye and keep Portree Hospital open.
“That process is ongoing and it will take time to implement all the recommendations.”
A spokesman for NHS Highland last night said: “NHS Highland’s position is clear. David Alston, the board chair, has already agreed to accept the recommendations of the Sir Lewis Ritchie report and implement all of them in full.
“Dialogue continues with all the community representatives and interested parties to establish what these implementation plans will be.”
