Rhoda Grant has cautiously welcomed assurances from the First Minister over the future of specialist pain services in the Highlands, following growing concern among patients.
The Scottish Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands raised the issue in Parliament after reports suggested NHS Highland’s Clinical Pain Intervention service could close as early as September.
The concerns follow the publication of a Scottish Health Technologies Group report highlighting the need for equal access to pain treatment services across Scotland.
Patients in the Highlands have expressed anxiety over the potential loss of local services, with fears that treatment could be moved further afield.
In response, the First Minister confirmed that no final decision has been taken on the future of the service.
He also stated that NHS Boards are expected to carry out proper consultation with local communities before any significant changes are made.
Rhoda Grant MSP said:
“I welcome the First Minister’s clarification.
“I have been informed that interventions were stopped for new referrals, now existing patients are fearful that they too could be affected.
“Such a move would force vulnerable patients, many of whom suffer from debilitating chronic conditions, to travel hundreds of miles to the Central Belt for essential treatment.
“Hearing on the record that no such decision has been ratified provides a temporary breathing space for those who rely on this care.
“However, words must be followed by action.
“I look forward to hearing the urgent outcome of the ongoing discussions between the Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, Jenni Minto, and the leadership at NHS Highland.
“We need a long-term guarantee, not just a stay of execution.
“Ultimately, NHS Highland has a statutory duty to provide care that is safe, effective, and person-centred.
“Living in the Highlands should not be a barrier to healthcare, nor should it exclude our citizens from the quality of service that patients in the rest of Scotland rightfully expect.
“We will continue to hold the Scottish Government to account until a sustainable, local solution for pain management is secured.”
The issue has highlighted wider concerns around access to healthcare in rural areas, where distance and limited services can create additional challenges for patients.
With discussions ongoing, attention is now focused on whether a long term solution can be secured for those relying on specialist pain services in the Highlands.
