NHS Highland has apologised to a victim of the Cyril Smith-linked paedophile ring – admitting it provided “mis-information” to seven politicians over the handling of his accommodation care.
Peter Todd, of Caithness, is poised to sue NHS Highland over his claims of a “series of failures” in his treatment, including having to wait five years for psychiatric help.
The health authority has made an admission relating to information provided to various politicians – including MPs, MSPs and councillors – in relation to Mr Todd’s complaints about accommodation arrangements for his treatment – for which he has to make a 250-mile round trip to attend.
Mr Todd is awaiting a report from the public service’s ombudsman over complaints he has made over his treatment.
But he is delighted at the latest apology by NHS Highland, who finally admitted failing to provide consistent information to seven politicians the 37-year-old had contacted about his care.
Some of those, including Conservative MSP Edward Mountain, MSP David Stewart and Highland Councillor Struan Mackie, are seeking further clarification from the health authority over the “misinformation”.
In a letter to Mr Todd, NHS Highland chief executive Iain Stewart wrote: “I can confirm that different information was given to MSPs and MPs as you have indicated.”
He claimed he was “unable to establish why this happened” as the former head of public engagement had left the authority.
But he added: “I would like to apologise for the upset and distress this has cause you. I would like to inform you that new arrangements are now in place within NHS Highland to deal with MSP and MP correspondence.
“I hope this reassures you that processes have now changed to prevent re-occurrence.”
Under-fire NHS Highland has instigated its own probe into the handling of care for Mr Todd, who was left waiting five years for psychiatric treatment.
The health authority has previously apologised to Mr Todd, but the abuse victim has taken his complaints to the SPSO.
He has made a series of complaints, particularly about the withdrawal of hospital accommodation for his appointments in Inverness – also adding that he had to fight “tooth and nail” to see a female specialist, saying he could not face speaking to a male after suffering years of abuse by men.
Mr Todd is now receiving psychiatric appointments at New Craigs Hospital in Inverness, but faces a 17-hour, 250-mile round trip each week.
An NHS Highland spokesman said: “Due to patient confidentiality we cannot comment on individual cases.”
Mr Todd said: “NHS Highland has a duty of care to make sure patients access treatment in a safe way. I want honest answers and those culpable held to account.”
