MSP puts pressure on government over crippling hospital staffing ‘crisis’

“The chronic state of rural healthcare across much of the Highlands and Islands is a constant source of anxiety to many people, including myself,” said Mr Eagle.

“That’s why I am determined to challenge the deterioration in the service in Campbeltown and put the feet of those responsible to the fire.

“We must not have people in rural communities being left unsure whether the NHS is there for them, or having to travel unacceptably long distances for treatment.

“Far too many people across the Highlands and Islands, including in Kintyre, are feeling that they are becoming second-class citizens in their own country.”

Mr Eagle said this growing impression was backed by independent observers and he highlighted a recent study by the Scottish Human Rights Commission, published in November. 

Its report raised questions about whether basic human rights, including access to healthcare,  are now available in the Highlands and Islands.

Mr Eagle said: “The commission’s findings repay study as they confirm why local people are right to be so concerned. 

“The commission’s conclusion, that things are getting worse rather than better, shows that it is up to elected representatives like me to fight for our communities. 

“We will not accept the failing status quo, or the excuses routinely trotted out by ministers.

“We can, and must, do better than this – because if we don’t the long-term sustainability of our rural and remote communities will be put in doubt.”

It comes as South Kintyre councillor Tommy Macpherson, who spoke out about issues at the hospital last week, raised further concerns about Kintyre Care Centre – mainly staff shortages, the cost of the continued use of agency staff and reduced capacity – as well as HSCP finances. 

“The reality is, due to a significant budget overspend, we have witnessed vital remodelling works paused at Kintyre Care Home,” said Councillor Macpherson.

“The peninsula’s demographics are changing, with an estimated 25 per cent increase in over 70s in the next decade. That’s an increased demand on complex healthcare needs which presents a further demand on our clinical and carer workforce.

“The HSCP is bleeding money, raising serious concerns that southern Kintyre’s health provision will not keep a pace nor improve anytime soon. 

“When Campbeltonians require more treatment, care and support the partnership plans to implement measures to improve efficiency and reduce costs, which likely means consolidation and centralisation.”

He added: “It’s imperative that we recruit and retain clinical and care staff to meet the medical needs on the Kintyre peninsula. 

“There must be a refocus towards enhancing the quality and delivery of clinical care presently being provided by what must be considered skeleton staff numbers. 

“We seldom see first-hand the pressures nor effects that the existing staff are daily experiencing.”

Councillor Macpherson has also spoken out about HSCP officers being unable to answer specific questions at meetings of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee, despite them being asked in advance.

Although detailed responses are sent to members at a later date, Councillor Macpherson believes there is a lack of transparency. 

He said: “There is a clear desire of officers that questions be answered outside of committee meetings, yet I persist on having them noted on public record in a public forum.”

This week, the HSCP stood by its pledge to boost staff recruitment in Campbeltown and provide the best possible care in the area.

A spokesman told us: “Argyll and Bute HSCP’s aim is to help individuals in Argyll and Bute to lead longer, healthier, and more independent lives.

“We are also focused on providing safe and high-quality health, social care and social work services and at times this may mean that services will have to change to retain that clear focus.

“We acknowledge that there are national challenges in recruiting health, social care and social work professionals and recognise that at a local level in Kintyre there are challenges with demographic changes and difficulties in attracting staff to key roles.  

“We would like to express our gratitude to all Kintyre staff for their exceptional dedication and hard work.  

“We will also continue to work with the local Kintyre community as we look to build on our service provision.”