McArthur again raises concerns about lack of Orkney heart failure nurse

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has again raised concerns about the lack of a heart failure nurse in the islands during Health Questions in the Scottish Parliament.

Mr McArthur invited the Health Minister to engage with NHS Orkney on the issue.

Speaking afterwards, Mr McArthur said:

“Heart failure nurses provide invaluable support to patients across Scotland. As the British Heart Foundation has demonstration, these nurses help improve care and reduce costs, by cutting down on hospital readmissions. Unfortunately, Orkney is currently the only area in the country that does not have a heart failure nurse.

“While steps have been taken by NHS Orkney to try to improve the situation, and provide more support for the existing cardiac nurse, there is still a need for a specific heart failure nurse. I therefore welcome the Minister’s agreement today to engage directly with the board to see what can be done to ensure that the appointment of such a nurse takes place in the near future.”