Islands MP demands full-scale review of patient travel

This week, I have written to NHS Western Isles to highlight the additional financial burden faced by patients travelling to off-island medical appointments.

“This is an issue I have raised repeatedly since taking office. Scottish Government tells me the rates of travel reimbursement sit with NHS Western Isles; NHS Western Isles assure me the issue rests with Scottish Government".

“Enough is enough. It’s time we end this circle of blame.”

In my letter to health board chief executive Gordon Jamieson, I have asked for a full review of the entire system.

“As many constituents have pointed out, the overnight allowance of £60 is plainly inadequate for patients coming to Stornoway, far less for those travelling to Inverness or Glasgow. Patients are paying double the rate and more, and some, I fear, are refusing treatment for a lack of funds. This cannot be right.”

The burden of additional medical costs is felt particularly in Uist and Barra, where patients have already suffered a whole catalogue of service reductions.

In the news:

WeLoveStornoway - MP calls for end to deadlock on patient-travel costs

BBC Naidheachdan - Ath-sgrùdadh ga iarraidh air cosgaisean siubhail euslainteach [Review demanded on the cost of patient travel]