New action plan to strengthen collaboration between health and transport sectors across the Highlands and Islands
Action to address health and transport challenges across the Highlands and Islands has been strengthened through the development of a new Health and Transport Action Plan for the region.
The project, including the appointment of a dedicated Health and Transport Officer, is being funded by the Scottish Government through grant funding awarded to the regional transport partnership HITRANS.
The initiative delivers on a commitment within the National Islands Plan.
The National Islands Plan, launched by the First Minister in February, places a strong focus on supporting population retention and attraction.
Its commitments are aimed at strengthening the long-term prosperity, sustainability and resilience of Scotland’s island communities.
A new officer, Struan Charters, based in Inverness, has recently been appointed and will work with partners across the health and transport sectors to coordinate efforts to address shared challenges and priorities in rural and island areas.
The role will also help identify opportunities for investment and innovation that improve the planning, integration and delivery of health and transport services.
An early priority will be working with NHS boards and key stakeholders to better understand the travel needs of patients, carers and staff who rely on air and ferry services to access or deliver essential healthcare.
Recent temporary reductions in services on key air routes have highlighted the critical importance of these lifeline connections for many island communities.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care, Angela Constance MSP, said: “People living in rural and island communities should be able to access healthcare services as easily as possible, regardless of where they live.
“We recognise that transport is a vital part of ensuring equitable access to care and supporting our health workforce.”
“This funding will help strengthen collaboration between health and transport partners, improve understanding of local challenges and opportunities, and support the development of practical solutions that meet the needs of communities across the Highlands and Islands.”
Uisdean Robertson, Chair of HITRANS, said: “HITRANS worked with the key public bodies and transport operators in the Western Isles to identify some early opportunities to improve transport to health options from Uist and Barra and I hope that this funding will now provide the resource to build on this work.
“ While the challenges can be complex there is often a lot of commonality in the issues faced across the region with clear opportunities to learn from each other and share good practice.”