§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps were taken to ensure that the correct procedures for public consultation were carried out over the Highland health board's proposed closure and change of use of health service premises in Ross-shire as outlined to him in its letter of 4 December 1986; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayHealth boards are required to carry out extensive consultation before submitting any proposal for closure or significant change of use to the Secretary of State. It is for each board to determine the range of consultation necessary in any particular case but, as a normal rule, boards are expected to invite comments from the relevant local health councils, area professional committees, regional, district or islands councils, trade unions and staff associations.
The submission at present under consideration shows that consultations have taken place with all of these organisations, as well as general medical practitioners in Tain and Beauly and members of the public who had registered opposition to the proposals. Copies of the consultation correspondence have been lodged with the Secretary of State as part of the board's submission.
§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact which his recently announced 5.7 per cent. increase in revenue spending allocations for 1987–88 will have for the Highland health board, particularly with respect to (a) the additional overheads associated with Raigmore hospital, Inverness and (b) the proposal from the Highland health board of 6 December 1986 for the closure and change of use of health service premises in Ross-shire; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayHighland health board's revenue allocation for 1987–88 amounts to an increase of 6.84 per cent. over their allocation for 1986–87, well in excess of the average increase of 5.7 per cent. to Scottish health boards.30W Once increases in pay and prices have been met, it is estimated that the board will be able to devote 2.14 per cent. or £1.15 million to the growth and development of services in its area. This compares with an average growth of 1 per cent. for Scotland. In addition the board have been asked to identify savings equivalent to 1.5 per cent. of their net revenue allocation from greater efficiency and to direct these into patient care. The board 's allocation is expected to be more than sufficient to meet any new commitments associated with Raigmore hospital, Inverness. If the board's proposals for the closure and change of use of health service premises in Ross-shire are accepted and implemented the resultant savings will not accrue to the board until 1988–89.