Comhairle nan Eilean Siar SNP Group have expressed frustration at the lack of urgency of the Integrated Joint Board to fund Bethesda Hospice what it needs. At present, the NHS Western Isles / Intergrated Joint Board are funding 25% of hospice costs when they should be funding 50% as per Scottish Government recommendations.
Group leader , Cllr Gordon Murray stated: “ Whether this is an attempt to shut the hospice by starving it of funds remains to be seen but it’s certainly putting a much valued facility in our community at huge risk. I would urge the community to put pressure on the decision-makers in the Integrated Joint Board and the NHS Western Isles, who are supposed to be acting in your best interest, to right this wrong and fund Bethesda what it needs before it closes.”
SNP Councillor for Loch a’ Tuath, John A Maciver stated: “This is a topic which we in the SNP group on the Comhairle are very concerned. We are appalled at the way the IJB are treating this issue. They blame the previous regime for the underfunding of Bethesda but refuse to rectify the situation which we find disappointing to say the least. We will continue to seek ways to help Bethesda maintain this valuable service, recognising that the alternative is definitely not acceptable.”
A journal written by the SNP opposition group on the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council).
