McArthur challenges Loganair executives at transport committee

Attending a session of the Scottish Parliament's Transport Committee, which this morning took evidence from Loganair on the cutting of routes from Inverness, Orkney's MSP Liam McArthur has "pushed back strongly" on claims made by the airline that steps were taken to mitigate the impact of service reductions on NHS patients.  

Evidence given by island health boards indicated that Loganair did not provide any advance notice before the decision was made. Representatives also suggested that the move risks driving up wait times, as well as costs associated with overnight accommodation and locum staff.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:  

"The impact of these cuts on patients in Orkney, but also across the Northern and Western Isles, is going to be serious, with Inverness now home to the National Treatment Centre for orthopaedics and ophthalmology.

"Loganair cannot claim to have mitigated the impact on patients while also admitting that no consultation with health boards took place ahead of taking this decision. If that conversation had taken place, the retained timetable would better reflect the realities of health-related travel for island patients
 

"Orkney patients travelling for certain surgeries will face an arduous and uncomfortable onwards journey from Aberdeen, compounded by an increased need for overnight stays.  

"Loganair must work with health boards to see what can be done to mitigate the impact of the cuts over the summer. Longer term though, islanders need the Scottish Government to lead efforts to develop a strategy for lifeline air services across the Highlands & Islands."