Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch welcomed a number of Highland GPs to the Scottish Parliament last Thursday to commemorate the centenary of the Dewar Report and the Highlands and Islands Medical Service, both of which are attributed to Sir John Dewar.

In a debate in the chamber, followed by a reception, Mr Thompson stressed the importance of building on the impressive foundation stones of state-funded health care in Scotland. Mr Thompson praised Sir John Dewar’s vision of free, accessible and excellent health care in rural and remote communities in the Highlands and Islands.

At the reception, Dr Jim Douglas from Fort William and Dr John Duncan, from the Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland said a few words. Besides Dr Jim Douglas from Fort William and Dr John Duncan, the event was attended by Dr Peter Grant from Grantown on Spey, Dr Miles Mack from Dingwall and Dr Stephen McCabe from Portree.

Mr Thompson said, “Bringing together GPs from across the Highlands to meet with politicians is crucial as we look to the future and consider how to build on the solid foundation of health care which was laid by Sir John Dewar.

“The debate and the event had a good turnout, which demonstrates that politicians and doctors are dedicated to ensuring that health care in the Highlands is improved and preserved. We need to tackle the challenges of health care in rural and remote areas, and it is only through dialogue and collaborative relationships between politicians and health professionals that this will be achieved.”