NHS Highland's planned changes to the Highland Rheumatology Unit in Dingwall win backing from patient advocates after initial scepticism
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CHANGES at the Highland Rheumatology Unit in Dingwall will allow greater flexibility for inpatients and outpatients and increase the number of quick appointments, a patient advocate believes.
NHS Highland plans to cut the number of inpatient beds from 10 to five, and mothball the unit at weekends “when limited therapy is currently available” in favour of greater outpatient and day case services.
It has promised that its new “sustainable and efficient” care strategy will improve access to rheumatology services for people across the Highlands – by refocussing funds and resources on outpatient and day case treatment.
Michelle Stevenson, who is a member of the Friends of Highland Rheumatology Unit, said that she had been won over by the plans after initially being sceptical about them.
“Initially I objected to the weekend closure of the Highland Rheumatology Unit as I benefit from a full two-week stay,” she said. “I’ve had discussions with fellow members of the Friends group and this is a general concern for patients.
“However, on learning more about the opportunity that this new model provides to increase the services and to allow flexibility for both inpatients and outpatients, I support these proposals.
"This is an opportunity for us all to look at more holistic treatments, more outpatient clinics and quick appointments and to make the Highland Rheumatology Unit a centre of excellence.
Shona Prestage, Charge Nurse at the Highland Rheumatology Unit said: “We hope to work closely with the Friends of the Highland Rheumatology Unit to develop the Highland Rheumatology Service to become a Centre of Excellence and to create a hub for people with rheumatological and associated conditions.”
NHS Highland added that the increasing benefits of modern medicines meant the need for inpatient services had reduced whilst demand on outpatient services had increased and that the changes would open up its facilities to a wider number of people.
