Health concerns

SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott is to raise his concern in Holyrood over the number of GP posts that will be cut from rural health centres in the isles.

On Tuesday it emerged that NHS Shetland was removing four GP posts from health centres in Levenwick, Scalloway, Brae, Walls and Bixter to save a six figure sum from its budget.

“Cutting four doctors’ posts across Shetland must have an effect on the level of care,” Scott said.

“GP practices provide an essential service for people so I am concerned that these direct cuts to front line services will have an impact on local people.

“The NHS must explain what the impact will be and I will be asking the health secretary in parliament why cutting doctors’ posts is seen as an appropriate step for patient care in Shetland.”