Isle of Skye hospital introduces round-the-clock urgent care six years after review

Round-the-clock urgent care has been introduced by NHS Highland for residents on the Isle of Skye.

Opening hours at weekends were extended last month at Portree Community Hospital, but arrangements are now in place for 24/7 urgent care from Friday, August 16.

First Minister John Swinney previously said the availability of emergency care on the island was “not good enough”.

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Swinney said it was a “matter of deep concern” that the hospital was not open 24/7 despite a review by Dr Sir Lewis Ritchie recommending the change in 2018.

The service at Portree is now an advanced nurse practitioner-led, non-emergency, appointment-based, out-of-hours primary care service.

It is intended to be used by patients who can’t wait until their GP surgery next opens.

Urgent care is defined as a condition or injury that is not life-threatening but could worsen if untreated, such as cuts and minor burns, sprains and strains.

NHS Highland said Broadford Hospital is still open 24/7 for accident and emergency.

Louise Bussell, NHS Highland’s nurse director, said: “The model has been designed to make the best use of resources across our health care system.

“We will be developing the service over the coming months as we build and develop our teams.

“The place which care is delivered will vary depending on clinical need but this model provides assurance that people will be able to access all aspects of unscheduled care in a timely way based on the presenting need.

“Anyone requiring urgent care should always call NHS 24 on 111 before attending any of the locations that provide urgent care. You should always call 999 in an emergency.

“This is to ensure that the right response is provided based on the presenting symptoms. Further information on urgent and emergency care is available on our website.

“We are pleased that we have been able to identify a model of care which will ensure 24/7 urgent care for people living in north Skye.

“This has been a significant piece of work involving colleagues across NHS Highland and the Scottish Ambulance Service, as well as from community groups and local people.

“I want to thank everyone involved for their efforts.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners to deliver safe, sustainable health and social care services in the area.”