A 75-year-old former NHS nurse from South Uist has called on the Scottish Government to improve access to essential healthcare for Islanders after travelling more than 200 miles twice a week to access dialysis on the NHS.

Uist patients must also travel via plane or ferry – which are often subject to cancellation – to access chemotherapy treatment.

Missing dialysis or chemotherapy can have life threatening consequences.

Mary Jefferson, who undergoes kidney dialysis twice weekly in either Stornoway or Inverness said:

“I am in my 70s. Travelling over 200 miles to get essential dialysis treatment every week is bad for my health but also it is so stressful.”

“The Christmas before last I didn’t think I could have Christmas at home, I would be in the Nursing Home on my own being miserable or even worse not around at all. This is just because of where I live.”

“I worry about not getting my flight or my ferry cancelling. Especially with winter and worse weather, it is scary. What do you do? You have to take your chances with your health.”

“My message to the Scottish Government is that needing help should not be for some but for all. Islanders need help.”

Commenting on Mary’s situation, Scottish Labour’s Health Spokesperson Jackie Baillie said:

“People on the mainland may see the ferry crisis as an example of SNP government incompetence, but this is the very real human impact.

“It is simply unacceptable that a woman in her 70s must make a 230-mile round trip each week to receive essential dialysis on the NHS.

“This journey places a huge emotional and physical burden on Mary and her elderly husband, just because of where they live.

“Our island communities deserve the same access to healthcare as anyone from anywhere else. A mobile dialysis unit should be available and would ensure patients in Uist can access essential treatment locally.

“The Scottish Government must wake up to the reality faced weekly by islanders who require essential healthcare. Access to life-saving treatment should never depend on your postcode.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

      1.    Mary Jefferson is 75 years old and lives in South Uist. She is a kidney dialysis patient but cannot receive treatment on Uist so must travel to Lewis or to Inverness for dialysis on a weekly basis.

      2.    Her husband, Steve Jefferson is 89 years old.

      3.    Mary spent her career as an NHS nurse.

      4.    There are purportedly two or three patients in the same situation as Mary in South Uist that also must travel for dialysis. Note that Donald MacKinnon’s office has not been contacted by any others so cannot independently corroborate this.

      5.    Uist patients must also travel for chemotherapy

      6.    The two modes of transport – plane and ferry – are subject to cancelations and the impact of missing dialysis/chemotherapy can be life threatening.

      7.    While Mary was away getting treatment in November of last year, her husband Steve, fell outside their house while letting their dog out in the garden. Luckily, a neighbour heard his shouts and was able to get him back inside but Mary worries that had he not be found, not he would most likely not have survived the cold. This is a constant worry Mary has when Steve cannot accompany her for treatment.