McArthur raises NHS Orkney escalation at FMQs

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur today sought assurances from the Deputy First Minister that the Scottish Government will provide all appropriate support necessary to help NHS Orkney put its financial position on a more stable and sustainable footing.

Mr McArthur raised the issue at First Minister’s Questions following news earlier in the week that NHS Orkney has been moved to the first stage of formal escalation by Scottish Government over its deteriorating finances.

Mr McArthur acknowledged that NHS Orkney was far from the only health board in Scotland facing financial difficulties, smaller, island health boards face unique challenges. He urged that the Scottish Government make every effort to ensure NHS Orkney reached financial stability as soon as possible, with patient needs and staff wellbeing remaining safeguarded throughout.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison, filling in for Humza Yousaf who is attending COP28 in Dubai, told Mr McArthur that the government is engaging “directly” with NHS Orkney to provide “tailored support” ahead of winter.

Commenting afterwards, Mr McArthur said:

“News of NHS Orkney’s financial difficulties will be a concern to patients, staff and the wider public in Orkney. It is important, therefore, that the Scottish Government does everything necessary to help the board get itself onto a sound financial footing.

“NHS boards across the country are experiencing similar issues, with debt levels rising significantly and Scottish Government making clear that these debts are unlikely to be written off, as has happened in previous years. However, the specific challenges faced by small, island health boards must be recognised and I was encouraged to hear the Deputy First Minister confirm that ‘tailored support’ will be provided.

“I know people in Orkney will be keen to understand what this will look like in practice and I have written to the Health Secretary seeking more details. I will also continue to work closely with NHS Orkney to lend what support I can throughout this difficult process.”