Overcapacity a problem

I agree that overcapacity is a problem and should be addressed (NHS chief: closing hospital’s Ronas Ward is most ‘efficient’ way of cutting spending; SN, 16/01/17).

Consider this: Orkney had a population of 21,670 in 2015, and is served by Balfour Hospital with 48 beds. The replacement hospital with 48 beds will enter service in 2019.

Shetland had a population of 23,200 in 2015, and is served by the Gilbert Bain Hospital with 76 beds.

Why must Shetland with 7 per cent more population pay for 58 per cent more beds?

Christopher McDowall Johnston
Atlanta
USA

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