The Highland Health and Social Care Committee is to look at whether the consultation process to redesign NHS services in Skye, Lochalsh and South West Ross was followed appropriately.

It is understood they will consider the report on Thursday (6 November), which also includes feedback from an independent review by the Scottish Health Council regarding the process.

In its report last month, the Scottish Health Council said it was "satisfied" that the process had been followed properly.

It concluded: "Based on our review and feedback from local people we are satisfied that NHS Highland has followed Scottish Government guidance on involving local people in the consultation.

"Overall, feedback received indicated that the majority of people had understood the reasons for change, how the proposals had been developed, and felt listened to and that there have been sufficient opportunities to take part in the consultation."

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Gill McVicar, Director of Operation for NHS Highland's north and west operational unit, and co-author of the report, added: "This is another key stage in the process and the committee will consider all the feedback relating to the public consultation process. In particular, it will consider any criticism or concerns raised. We did our best to respond to queries or requests for information during the consultation."

Maimie Thompson, head of public relations and engagement at NHS Highland, commented: "Any decision taken by the board of NHS Highland on both the service model and the location of the proposed 'hub' and 'spoke' facilities must be underpinned with confidence that major service change guidance has been followed.

"The board will need to be satisfied that the issues have been understood, the case for change is clear and that proposed service model will address the current and future issues."

On Tuesday, it was reported that campaigners said they could seek a judicial review into the consultation process. According to the BBC, a campaign was launched by residents after Broadford was selected as the preferred site for the new hospital rather than Portree, the island's capital.

In March this year, a steering group, established by NHS Highland, made the site selection following a public consultation. The preferred site will provide a base for community health and social care workers, and will also be used by the Scottish Ambulance Service.

In addition to the new "hub" facility, it was recommended that local services should also be modernised. As a result, Portree Hospital is to be upgraded under the plans, and NHS Highland said this facility would act as a smaller "spoke" facility to the new hospital.

(JP/MH)