Scott’s health survey will ask plenty of questions
Rosalind GriffithsQuestionnaires will be delivered to households across the isles this week asking people for their experiences of local and national health services.
The survey is being launched by MSP Tavish Scott, who wants to find out the views of islanders on GP services, mental health, dental care and travelling out of Shetland for mainland health services.
Mr Scott will use the results to campaign for local health services working with local GPs, nurses and health staff.
Last week NHS Shetland announced a £400,000 deficit in their budget, and Mr Scott said he has already raised concerns about the underfunding of NHS Shetland by the Scottish government.
He said that health services in Shetland were £900,000 underfunded in the current financial year.
He has already raised that at Holyrood and highlighted the pressure on GPs in Shetland in a meeting with health minister Shona Robison. He is meeting Royal College of Nursing staff in the coming weeks.
Mr Scott said: “We all depend on local health services and the dedication of nurses, doctors and health staff.
“People are concerned and I have had a steady stream of complaints. So I want to gauge these pressures across Shetland by asking people from Norwick to Fair Isle what their experiences are.
“The financial pressure on our local health board from the Scottish government is not helping. I am concerned about the long term effects on patient care.
“The survey results will help me to make a stronger case for our health services in Shetland in the Scottish parliament.”
The survey can also be filled in online at www.tavishscott.com/healthcare
John Tulloch
We know that NHS Shetland is, at least, £10 million out of pocket due to under-funding by the SNP Scottish government between 2010 and 2015. This was allegedly resolved by increasing Shetland’s funding by £4mpa (£2mpa net x 5 years = £10 million underfunding as the missing payments were not made good).
But now Tavish Scott is saying that NHS Shetland is STILL £900,000 pa UNDER-FUNDED?
It’s a wonder NHS Shetland chair Ian Kinniburgh didn’t mention that when he was telling us about the increase, just before the General Election?