There has been no permanent doctor on the Hebridean islands of Barra and Vatersay since last summer.
Scotland Health Correspondent
In 2020, early in the Covid pandemic, Sandy Maclean was working on his tractor when its wheel blew and threw him across the shed. A trauma team from almost 200 miles away in Glasgow was diverted to Barra but had to refuel meaning it was almost five hours before Sandy was helicoptered off the island. "Anywhere else, what you go to your regular GP for, and what you go to A&E for, are two very different things and here it is the same person that needs to be able to do both jobs."
Half of the 16 consultant posts in the Western Isles, which includes the larger islands of Lewis and Harris, are currently filled by locum doctors and the health board spent £3.6m on temporary staff in the past year.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Celtic fan thanks hero doctors after heart attack at Scottish Cup FinalAndrew Mcnulty, from East Kilbride, fell ill after entering Hampden Park ahead of the Hoops' clash with Inverness Caledonian Thistle on June 3.
Read more »
Family of Scottish mum murdered on Greek island believe she knew killerJean Hanlon's body was discovered in March 2009 at Heraklion harbour in Crete, however, the incident remains unsolved after 14 years of investigating the murder.
Read more »
Discover Glasgow: a Scottish city full of vibrancy and cultureGlasgow is an exciting contemporary playground for art, architecture and collaborative culture
Read more »
Artist pulls out of Parklife 2023 just hours before main stage performanceScottish singer Joesef was due to perform on the Parklife Stage on Saturday afternoon
Read more »
Opposition parties comment on Nicola Sturgeon's arrestLabour Shadow Scotland Secretary Ian Murray the arrest was 'deeply concerning' while Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said it would have 'huge ramifications both for the SNP and the future of Scottish politics.'
Read more »
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut Summer Nights festival to return - what you need to knowKing Tut’s Summer Nights music festival returns next month MUSIC fans can expect 27 days of fresh Scottish talent on show as King Tut’s Wah Wah…
Read more »