Dave Thompson MSP

Last week, I had the privilege of commemorating one of the finest achievements to come out of the Highlands of Scotland in the last century: the first state-funded health service in the world. On Thursday 10th May 2012, I welcomed MSPs, health care professionals and interested historians to a debate and a reception in the Scottish Parliament in recognition of the efforts of Sir John Dewar, MP for Inverness-shire, who highlighted the medical needs of Highlanders and Islanders at the turn of the last century and implemented a model of free and accessible health care which is still recognised as revolutionary today.

The recipe of success for the Highlands and Islands Medical Service (HIMS) included three vital ingredients: it was free, it was local and it was good quality. In fact, the model of health service that Sir John Dewar designed was the blue print for the National Health Service in Scotland, and doctors and health care professionals still respectfully refer to it as they consider how to improve health services today. The purpose of the debate and reception in the Parliament was to reflect on the elements which made HIMS such a success, and to consider how we can improve, protect and provide health care in the Highlands which is fit for service in the 21st century.

Sir John Dewar also recognised that there are health care challenges which are particular to rural and remote communities. Whoever said that history repeats itself has been proven a prophet because I was somewhat astonished to discover just how relevant Dewar’s historical recommendations for health care are today – most recently in Acharacle.  In early May, the partners in Acharacle Medical Practice announced that they will be leaving the practice in August. The issues at stake go far deeper than merely finding replacements. As the doctors themselves report, there are difficulties in recruiting new GPs to remote and rural Highland Practices partly because rural communities are far more dependent on local doctors and nurses, for obvious reasons. Health care professionals are thus forced to be more resilient and more willing to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The pressure and strain on doctors is significant, and something needs to be done to support these GPs.

In the same way as Dewar listened attentively to rural communities regarding health care needs, and then did something about it, so also do we need to listen and act. I have written to the Chair of NHS Highland to articulate my deep concern about the situation in Acharacle and asked for NHS Highland to investigate and resolve the issues at the heart of the situation. I am in contact with the various parties involved and will continue to press NHS Highland until this issue is resolved satisfactorily.

Moving on from health to highways, a recent crash at the Craiglea Corner on the A830 left the barrier precariously bent and broken. In the last week, I have successfully pressed Transport Scotland to remove the dangerous barrier, and install a temporary vehicle barrier until something more permanent can be erected. A broader report on bridges in the Highlands is due to be published soon, and I am hoping to see the Craiglea corner given due space and consideration in the report which will result in an effective solution.

Finally, although there are many problems to resolve and solutions to be found, there is also much to celebrate. The centenary of the Highlands and Islands Medical Service this year followed the anniversary of the King James Bible last year and two weeks ago we brought the celebration of the King James Version to a close in the Scottish Parliament.  Four hundred years after the first publication, the King James Bible still influences our speech, our culture and our worldview which shows just how worthy it is of celebration!