Airport bosses urged to improve patient facilities

Calls have been made for improvements for isles patients following an announcement on Monday of a £20 million redevelopment of Aberdeen Airport.

It is reported that the redevelopment will invest in new passenger and baggage areas aimed at managing increased numbers of passengers.

The news coincides with concerns about Shetland and Orkney patients travelling to Aberdeen for hospital appointments about the lack of accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility or passengers who may feel unwell and require additional privacy or comfort.

In light of increased flight delays, the concerns have only intensified as passengers face lengthy waits in the Aberdeen airport terminal.

Shetland MSP Tavish Scott emphasised that many of his constituents used the airport when travelling south for medical appointments and operations.

He said: “People are often not at their best with medical circumstances. So the new plans for the airport must cover better facilities for patient transport.

“The Loganair flight departures are not the easiest part of the existing terminal to reach. When delays happen, people have told me that they can be left there for some time. So making the facilities better would be welcome for all passengers. But this is particularly important for patients on their way home.”

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur said it was vital that steps were taken to better meet patients’ needs. Often they could be feeling extremely unwell and the option of having more privacy and comfort was one they would welcome.

He said he had discussed the issue with Loganair’s head of operations who confirmed he would be making similar representations during meetings at Aberdeen Airport next week.

Mr McArthur added: “I welcome that support and look forward to this new investment delivering facilities that are fit for all airport users, including patients from the Northern Isles.”