Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP, Angus B MacNeil is inviting NHS Western Isles and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to come to Barra to consult with islanders regarding the St Brendan’s Development.

This comes following the announcement that NHS Western Isles have narrowed down the options for the St Brendan’s developments from eight to two.

Mr MacNeil said:

“I am happy to see that progress continues to be made on the much needed provision of a hospital and care home on the Isle of Barra.  However, I am disappointed that a public meeting has not been held to keep islanders updated and to ensure that the choice of site is felt to be the best possible.

“Since November 2009, I have written six times to the Health Board and Comhairle leaders asking them to come to Barra for a public meeting to develop consensus of the site for a new St Brendan’s.  Many feel the current site is not central in the community and it is difficult for people who are there to leave the building and interact with others.

“A number of voices have also indicated unhappiness at placing the GP surgery there due to the peripheral nature of the site.  This would indicate that if many able- bodied feel it isn’t very central, it is also too peripheral for less able people, which might include us all someday.

“People in Barra are asking me where the public consultation is and I am writing to the Comhairle and the Health Board again, to come to Barra very soon to meet and consult publicly, so that the right choice is made on the new St Brendan’s, which will be there for decades to come.”