Eye On Index

Eye On Health Services In Caithness
2003 - 2004

30 November 03
Letter From Rob Gibson MSP To Thurso Public Meeting On 28 November 2003

Dear Concerned Citizens of Caithness,

I regret the fact that I cannot attend the meeting in Thurso tonight due to a prior engagement in Easter Ross; however I have been in contact with people who attended the meeting in Wick on Wednesday night and would like to reiterate my support to those who spoke out against any downgrading of the maternity services at Caithness General Hospital.

The proposed downgrading not only jeopardises people’s lives it also jeopardises the sustainability and future growth of Caithness and North West Sutherland.

Caithness deserves a consultant led maternity unit. To achieve this I am suggesting a cross health board solution. A team of consultants based in Aberdeen, Inverness and Caithness could 'rotate' so that they gain full experience while meeting the needs of remote and rural areas like Caithness and North Sutherland.

The Scottish Executive should commit resources to recruit such professionals. Nothing less is acceptable. I will be raising these issues when I meet with Professor Calder on the fifteenth of December. Until then I send my support and best wishes

Yours sincerely

Rob Gibson MSP
Highlands & Islands