MSP welcomes support from health minister over emergency medical cover in Orkney

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has welcomed support from Scotland’s health secretary over emergency medical cover in the county.

Mr McArthur raised the issue with Alex Neil MSP following concerns raised by community leaders in Shapinsay and North Ronaldsay about separate, ongoing problems.

Following what he described as a “positive exchange”, Mr McArthur said: “The provision of emergency medical cover on the inner and outer isles has been a long-running issue.  Indeed, it is something I have been raising with ministers regularly over recent years.

“While the Health Secretary pointed to steps that have already been taken, I welcome his acknowledgement that more needs to be done. From the concerns that have been raised with me by constituents in recent weeks, it is obvious that there are serious shortcomings in what is currently in place.

“I am aware that Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS Orkney are working with the local communities affected, but we appear to be some way off reaching a resolution.  In that regard, it was helpful to get confirmation from Mr Neil that he is committed to supporting efforts to get this sorted.

“Those living on the smaller islands in Orkney expect and deserve a level of emergency medical cover that meets their needs.  Hopefully the intervention from the health secretary today will help ensure that this is now delivered.”