Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, MSP for Skye, Lochaber, and Badenoch recently (19/03/16) met with Members of Raasay Community Council, including Elizabeth Simpson, Jill Westgarth and Anne Gillies.

Dave was accompanied by Councillor Ian Renwick and Kate Forbes.

A range of options were discussed, but it was agreed that the best option would be a rota of nurses (up to 6) who will share the duty of covering Raasay 24/7 and on the need to ensure that 999 calls from Raasay are red flagged so they are treated as a high priority.

Dave undertook to contact NHS Highland to press the case that emergency nurse cover on Raasay is essential and that Raasay is a special case. Lack of cover impacts on evening sporting activity for youngsters, involved in a range of sports, and gives cause for concern because of the number of tourists on the Island, the number of elderly residents and the number of visiting workers progressing projects on the island.

Mr Thompson said, “I had a productive meeting with Members of Raasay Community Council where a range of issues were discussed, including the need to make the case for a rota of nurses, say three to six, who will share the duty of covering Raasay 24/7, which of course will mean, being resident on the island overnight.

“It was also highlighted that assurances need to be given in relation to 999 calls from Raasay being red flagged and treated as a high priority, which would be of some considerable reassurance to folk on Raasay”.

Dave went on,

“We need to ensure young people’s activities, tourists and other visitors are not discouraged by the lack of NHS Emergency cover. The island community is doing sterling work in regenerating the Raasay economy and this lack of emergency cover is endangering all this good work.”