Minister agrees to meet Orkney Health and Care representatives

Orkney MSP, Liam McArthur has welcomed a commitment from health secretary, Nicola Sturgeon ,to meet with representatives of Orkney Health and Care during her visit to the islands next week.   Ms Sturgeon made the undertaking to Orkney’s MSP during Health Questions in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon.

Mr McArthur said: “I am conscious that health and social care services in Orkney are going through a radical process of change at present.

“Better integrating services can deliver significant benefits to patients, the vulnerable and indeed the wider community in Orkney, particularly in the context of budgets become tighter.  Nevertheless, implementing these changes successfully does present real challenges.

“That is why I am keen that the Health Secretary has an opportunity to meet with Orkney Health and Care to discuss progress so far and, more importantly, what needs to be done over the coming months to ensure the new integrated services continue to deliver for people in Orkney.

“I very much welcome the health secretary’s commitment to fit in such a meeting during her visit to Orkney next week.  I hope this will allow agreement to be reached on how the Scottish government can support the development of Orkney Health and Care going forward”.