Scottish Government confirms 'paused' NHS Highland projects not a 'priority'
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More bad news for flagship healthcare developments in the Highlands as the Scottish Government says that they are not among its priorities.
It comes after the government told health boards to “pause any new capital projects” and concentrate on essential maitenance.
The redevelopment of Raigmore’s maternity services and the overhaul of how healthcare is delivered in Caithness look like they will now not go ahead – for at least two years.
A spokesman for the government said capital funding cuts had not been “inflation-proofed” by Westminster so the priority is now in addressing the maintenance backlog.
But the 2021-22 to 2025-26 Infrastructure Investment Plan “identified the priority health capital projects for funding” and it does not include Raigmore or Caithness though revised proposals will be released in the spring.
The spokesman said: “As set out in our draft budget the capital funding position is extremely challenging.
“The UK Government did not inflation-proof its capital budget which has resulted in nearly a 10 per cent real-terms cut in the Scottish Government’s capital funding over the medium-term between 2023-24 and 2027-28.
“Our emphasis for the immediate future will be on addressing backlog maintenance and essential equipment replacement.
“Our Infrastructure Investment Plan (2021-22 to 2025-26) identified the priority health capital projects for funding within that period.
“As a result of the cut in our capital budget, a revised pipeline of infrastructure investment will be published in Spring 2024 and all due consideration will be given to what projects can be included within that revised plan to ensure it is affordable and deliverable, while providing the best value for money.
“In the interim, boards have also been advised to pause any new capital projects.”
The expansion of maternity at Raigmore is an almost £9 million investment to allow more expectant mothers from Caithness and Moray to give birth in Inverness after services there were downgraded.
The Scottish Government revealed a £6.6 million funding package in February 2023 aimed at an integrated maternity service developed jointly by NHS Grampian and NHS Highland.
The new and upgraded buildings scheduled for completion by 2025 would cost £5 million while £3.8 million was for the 56 extra staff.
The major changes in Caithness would have seen major improvements at Caithness General Hospital and the creation of two new community healthcare hubs in Wick and Thurso to address local healthcare problems.
The hubs would contain facilities for day-care patients, a care home, a community hospital, teams for care at home services and community mental health practitioners as well as GPs.
In March 2022 that was estimated to cost £76-82 million.
