Highland patients to be treated by video link

A pilot scheme is being launched to test new ways of delivering healthcare in remote areas of Scotland.

Health Secretary Alex Neil is to announce the initiative during a visit to Ardnamurchan in the Western Highlands today.

People living in the area voiced concerns after the retirement of a district nurse and two GPs a year ago.

NHS Highland will lead on the project to develop models of healthcare for testing in rural areas, in collaboration with local communities.

Part of the initiative includes an online telehealth booth with a direct satellite link to Aberdeen’s emergency care centre, meaning residents can be seen by doctors on the other side of Scotland within minutes.

The plans will then be evaluated to test their effectiveness with recommendations being used to develop similar healthcare models across Scotland.