Dave Thompson MSP

Highlands and Islands MSP Dave Thompson was horrified this week to discover that NHS Highland had decided to remove almost a third of the beds from a unit for patients being treated for arthritis and rheumatology.

Since becoming aware of the threat to the Highland Rheumatology Unit (HRU) in Dingwall last year, Mr Thompson has lobbied senior managers at NHS Highland to argue the case for the retention of the busy unit in Dingwall.

However this week, without warning, staff learned that the number of beds in the unit had been reduced from 14 to 10.

Last year fears for the future of the centre prompted supporters of the unit to set up an internet group on the Facebook website to campaign for the future of the unit. The first rumours of the reduction in the number of beds leaked out on this website on Tuesday morning.

NHS Highland chairman Garry Coutts confirmed the cost-cutting measure in a telephone call to Mr Thompson on Wednesday afternoon.

"I was concerned to hear these beds were to be closed at short notice," the MSP said. "I am told this is to be a temporary measure until the end of the financial year, part of the efficiency savings all health departments are having to make."

Mr Thompson also revealed that Mr Coutts and Dr Roger Gibbons, chief executive of NHS Highland, had assured him that the one-third reduction in the size of the HRU would not be treated as part of the current review of NHS services throughout the Highlands.

"I expect NHS Highland to abide by these assurances, " the MSP said. "But I have been very concerned about the way this has been handled.

"The way news of this reduction in the capacity of this vitally important service came out doesn't inspire confidence."