National Clinical Director visits the Western Isles

National Clinical Director of the Scottish Government, Professor Jason Leitch, spent an enjoyable and inspiring day meeting health and social care staff on Lewis on Monday (November 15). He will visit Uist and Barra today (Tuesday) and Wednesday.

Professor Leitch is visiting the Western Isles to hear about the Isles’ pandemic response and to acknowledge and thank staff across the services for their dedication and commitment.

During his time on Lewis, Prof. Leitch met with staff in radiology, the laboratory, the emergency department, catering, domestic, laundry, Hospital at Home, clinical support nurses, infection control, dental, public health, facilities, vaccination, occupational therapy, senior management and Board members.  He also visited the new care home development on Goathill Road in Stornoway and met in the evening with some of the local agencies that had supported the vaccination programme, including Scottish Fire and Rescue, Her Majesty’s Coastguard, Street Pastors and Caberfeidh Hotel staff.

Prof. Leitch said that he had heard ‘inspiring stories of hard work, person centred care and innovation’.
He stated: “What a fantastic first day in NHS Western Isles, visiting staff and locations that have been so crucial to the healthcare system in the Western Isles during COVID but also some other things. I’ve met the people who paint the walls, the people who launder the clothes and the clinical teams who have kept you all so safe and well during this period.

“I’ve just finished with a meeting with some of the broader community: the fire service, the street pastors, the hotel owners, and the coastguard. It’s been absolutely inspiring to spend the day learning how it’s been for the COVID response in the Western Isles. I just want to thank you all. The citizens who live​here, the workers who work here. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, said: “We are delighted that Professor Leitch has taken the opportunity to visit our health and social care staff and acknowledge the significant contribution that they have made, and continue to make, every day. Staff across our health and social care services have gone above and beyond the call of duty for such a long time, to ensure the delivery of essential services. Their dedication and commitment is incredible and we are proud to share and describe our services’ response with the national clinical director."

Pictured: Professor Leith with various staff groups, including Board members.