Green warns axing NHS Highland is a "fundamental misunderstanding" of rural Scotland

Responding the First Minister’s announcement of plans to centralise Scotland’s fourteen regional health boards to just two, Far North MSP David Green said: 

“For years, we have seen reforms by this government strip decision-making powers and resources from local communities. Highlanders will therefore be rightly nervous about these plans.

“Rural communities have specific needs when it comes to the delivery of public services, particularly healthcare. The Health Secretary must pause to listen and work alongside Highland communities to ensure they are not overlooked.

“Ultimately, healthcare planning is at its best when patients are at the heart. The litmus test for these reforms will be whether they ensure care is delivered as close to home as possible while also preserving proper local accountability.

“The details are to come, but I fear the government is going down the wrong path.”

ENDS.