Plans to cut number of health boards in Scotland but ‘devil will be in the detail’
THE SCOTTISH Government has announced a proposal to cut the number of health boards in the country from 14 to two – but it remains unclear how exactly this would ultimately affect Shetland.
Updating parliament this afternoon (Tuesday), first minister John Swinney said while speaking about public reform that the needs of island communities must be recognised.
He said this includes advancing the idea of a ‘single authority’ model – merging councils and health boards – “where it is desired”.
But this is a model which has not been met with much enthusiasm in the past from Shetland councillors.
NHS Shetland is one of 14 territorial health boards in Scotland.
It comes as Swinney announced the latest programme for government for 2026 to 2031.
A key part of this are “widespread and radical” plans to reform the public sector to increase efficiency.
The programme said: “Through reform we remain committed to enabling bespoke solutions for our island communities recognising their unique characteristics, including exploration of the single authority model.”
The idea of a ‘single authority’ model is not new, having cropped up in discussion last year in the SIC chamber.
Speaking in April last year, chief executive Maggie Sandison said the council was “very clear that the exploration of this is not something that the council wanted to take forward at this time”.
She said the SIC would wish to instead “watch other local authorities proceed” – with the Western Isles for instance in favour of the idea.
Speaking in the Scottish Parliament as he announced the programme for government, Swinney said a reformed public sector would better meet the needs of the people of Scotland.
Swinney also confirmed plans to reduce the number of government organisations.
Among the changes could be to bring Transport Scotland into core government.
Orkney MSP Liam McArthur said: “Islanders will be instinctively nervous about any plans to centralise health boards, given the specific needs and challenges in delivering healthcare services in rural and island settings.
“We know the pressure our health and care services are under already and the tough financial environment over the coming years.
“So public service reform is necessary but it must have the interests of patients at its heart.”
The Lib Dem MSP added: “As ever, the devil will be in the detail which is why the health secretary must now set out clearly the details of his plans and commit to working with communities about how best to meet their needs.
“Until then, concerns in our islands will remain.”
Elsewhere in the programme there is a plan to establish a new ‘last provider fund’ to support the sustainability of the last remaining shops and pubs in rural and island communities.
The government also aims to support workforce planning in rural and island communities, including reviewing the ‘golden hellos’ initiatives to attract more GPs, consultants and dentists to those communities.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
