Comments on: Uist community has no voice on pharmacy bid, admits health minister Alex Neil

By: Davey H

Davey H — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 09:13:16 +0000

I think it is time for the populace of the western isles to show what they are made of. We trust those who are running our Health Board and Council Services, and living in a democracy we should be informed by these people. When one learns of the underhanded way that decisions are made and people are trampled on (or sacked for speaking out), it is time to take the leaders to task.
Neil Galbraith was removed from his position as Director of Education albeit a mutual decision, he left with a good pension and severance pay. He then took over as Chairman of the Health Board, I for one was not given a vote on this appointment were you? He now has took it on himself to again flaunt his position,and unilateraly remove someone who doesn’t agree with his policy. Well Mr Galbraith I don’t agree with you and feel you should be sacked from your position, but the difference? this is not a unilateral decision there is support from all over these islands. Gordon Jameson as CEO of the Health Board do yourself and the rest of the community a favour bring pressure on this man to resign and bring someone into this post who will represent the people. Be warned his actions will have a terrible effect on your positition.

By: Raging Rod

Raging Rod — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 22:15:47 +0000

Well surely the application is not legal. The initial proposal was for benbecula, I did not see a new one for benbecula/north Uist.
Unfortunately Andrew I think you did your community a disservice by coming out as a lay member. Looks like the health board had/have already made the decision against the wishes of the whole of the southern islands.

By: Andrew Walker

Andrew Walker — Sun, 17 Nov 2013 15:18:41 +0000

Davey, this is just the beginning! I have just heard from a reliable source (retired clergy) that the applicant didn’t include North Uist at first, nor did he consult with them, as he had no intention of providing a service in this area. He was persuaded to change his mind at 11th hour by NHS (!!) as Benbecula on its own would be neither “viable or sustainable”. Applicant was until recently an employee of NHS at Stornoway hospital. I suspect NHS budget holders have already factored savings into next year’s spending.on basis of pharmacy approval (savings by loss of two GP’s and six pharmacy assistants). I may be sacked but I wont be silenced! At least Alex Neil and Labour List MSP’s are listening and by all accounts Cabinet Secretary not amused: “Process is absurd and not fit for purpose”.

By: Davey H

Davey H — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 12:25:43 +0000

My word what is happening? a politician who is listening to the people,wonders will never cease! It is amazing that one person who brings what is going on in the secret process to the fore,(you know I mean you AW). and all of a sudden politicians are scared of the fall out.