Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross health and social care redesign

Skye - urgent care provision update

NHS Highland shared a plan with the Scottish Government in May which outlined a proposed model of urgent care for north Skye, in line with the Sir Lewis Ritchie recommendations. Following Scottish Government approval of the plan, we have now met with a range of stakeholders and partner organisations.

Feedback from these meetings is currently being considered and we will be making adjustments to ensure that we have the right provision and resource is in place to achieve a sustainable service.

The new model for 24/7 urgent care access started on 16 August 2024.

The public will continue to be asked to access urgent care 24 hours a day via the NHS24 111 service to schedule a response. Appointments may be in Broadford Hospital or Portree Hospital depending on the level of need, may be by video-link to Broadford from Portree, or provided at home.

Access by appointment is strongly encouraged in line with national policy and will ensure that people get to the right place at the right time and there is no unnecessary delay should emergency care be required. Staff will though be available to respond to anyone who arrives at Portree Hospital without arranging an appointment.

The route for emergency care will continue to be Scottish Ambulance Service by calling 999 with Broadford the NHS Highland route for emergency access.

September 2024

Publications

See publications and meeting documents related to service redesign in this district including:

• Sir Lewis Ritchie Report
• Skye Recruitment Group
• Skye Communication and Engagement Working Group
• Eye in Skye newsletters
• Radio Skye features
• North Skye option appraisal
• Broadford Community Hospital plans
• Business case
• Programme Board
• Initial agreement
• Further information