Minister offers no clarity on future of island health boards – MSP

The Scottish Government has been accused today of proposing change to health boards ‘by stealth’ and ‘talking behind closed doors’.

Its programme for government states: “We will also begin work to examine the number, structure and regulation of health boards, as well as their relationship with local authorities…”

Leading a debate in parliament on Thursday afternoon, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur made a plea to the Scottish Government to ensure the review preserves island health boards – “recognising their unique status and the risks inherent in submerging them within a larger, less responsive or accountable set up.”

In response, health minister Maureen Watt said there were no firm proposals on the table, but added “given we have got integrated joint boards, do we now need health boards as well?”

Speaking in the debate, Mr McArthur said: “Preserving NHS Orkney’s identity is important. For patients and staff, that identity shapes the ethos, priorities and approach. Bringing together different boards with different identities offers no guarantee, or indeed much likelihood, that island needs would be effectively heard, understood, far less met.

“It would also remove the ability to be nimble in responding to local needs; to develop, in conjunction with communities themselves, services that best suit island circumstances; and to enhance the skills of staff in ways that ensure both quality and breadth of provision”.

Following the exchanges in the chamber, Mr McArthur said: “The Royal College of Nursing Scotland has claimed that ‘little or no engagement has yet taken place on the Government’s stated intention . . . leading to a perception that change is being introduced by stealth, by a government talking behind closed doors’.

“Today’s debate was an opportunity for ministers to address that criticism, be upfront about their intentions and reassure island communities that local control over health and care services will be protected.

“Instead, the health minister argued that the government has ‘no firm plans’ for health boards, but yet, in the same breath, questions their need. If alarm bells weren’t ringing before, they surely will be now”.