NHS Western Isles
Posted: Wednesday, 01 February 2006 |
Some very bad news continues to eminate from the smouldering embers of the NHS Western Isles. One of the people who had blown the whistle on the problems within the Health Board was more or less summarily dismissed over the weekend, after 32 years' service in the NHS. Other people of my acquaintance are now scared to speak out, as they now know that they stand to be dismissed if they do. The reasons given are "bringing the organisation into disrepute" and "misconduct". Bullying and intimidation taken to extremes.
The Health Minister on the Scottish Executive continues to turn a blind eye to proceedings in Stornoway, saying it's a local matter. As I've written two months ago, any opposition to proposed plans is effectively stifled and stymied. It cannot be seen to be supported by members of staff, all credibility is lost. Today, a projected shortfall of 拢3 million was published by Comhairle nan Eileanan Siar councillors - note, not the Health Board itself. They had planned to announce this tomorrow, February 2nd. This is another very serious issue: the breakdown of communication does not just extend within the NHS Western Isles, but has spread outside. There will be a stop on filling vacancies, and nobody will be taken on. Staff morale has plummeted further, as the existing stafflevel on the coalface has to work more, to cover those that go off sick or are on leave.
To return to the shortfall, a threat was made by the Health Board's chief executive in December 2005 that further criticism might result in the abolition of the NHS Western Isles. The level of disinterest shown from the Scottish Executive, coupled to an unbridled extent of mismanagement shown by the Health Board would almost suggest that that is what is being worked towards. Merging NHS Western Isles with NHS Highland will not resolve the issue of a shortfall, which stands at more than 拢110 per head of population. An independant review should be conducted into the reasons for the shortfall and any spending cuts that could be implemented which do NOT affect patient care. The breakdown of communication within the organisation should also be reviewed, as it has now reached an unacceptable level.
Health Minister: please act.
I am being unusually outspoken in this piece, but you don't play fast and loose with the health of the population. Irrespective whether they are in an island community or in a large city. When there is this much bad blood, staff morale and performance are bound to suffer, and as a consequence so could the health of the population that depend on them.
Comments
NHS Orkney is also battling a shortfall, with low staff morale and much controversy surrounding GP expenditure. I am beginning to wonder if it is simply not practical to carry on with NHS boards serving tiny populations, where unexpected events can have large budgetary implications. Maybe it would be better to merge the island health boards into one with the Highlands, based on Inverness. In Orkney's case this would break the link with Aberdeen, but this is mainly historical, preceding the creation of a driveable road to Scrabster.
hrossey from Mainland Orkney
Greetings, valid points indeed, but don't forget the Excecutive dream of a 3 board Scotland. Look at our own Health Board somewhat on the way to recovery then, zap, "resistance is futile you will be assimilated !" (trekkies take note, the Borg are in the glorified library)
Scottish soldier from Mull
Update: The First Minister has declined to become involved in this affair.
Arnish Lighthouse from Stornoway
If the First minister declines to be involved you could always ask the precentor or the session clerk.
Rev I Palsey from The Free Church Manse Shiant Islands
I have been in Lewis since late 2004 and am observing life on this fascinating island from an outsider's perspective. I look out at the lighthouse every day - as it looks out over the island and the sea. 
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