“It’s time the Highlands had a new General Hospital and the next First Minister must make it a top priority” says Edward Mountain MSP

Highlands and Islands MSP, Edward Mountain today launched his campaign calling for a modern replacement for Raigmore Hospital.

The MSP said the region requires a new acute general hospital which is fit for the 21st Century and which can more effectively answer the specialist healthcare needs of Highlanders.

Edward Mountain MSP also challenged the trio of SNP candidates seeking to become the next First Minister to make the building of a new hospital a top priority, urging them to commit to the project ahead of the Inverness Courier’s next First Minister debate on Friday 17 March 2023.  The MSP has written to each SNP leadership candidate asking them for their support.

Edward Mountain MSP said:

“It’s time for the Highlands to receive a new acute general hospital to replace Raigmore. If the next First Minister is serious about supporting our region, then they should make a new Highland Hospital a top priority.

“I campaigned for and welcomed the construction of the National Treatment Centre – Highland, but the modernising of the Highland’s health facilities can’t stop there.

“Indeed, the current Raigmore Hospital was not originally designed for all the healthcare needs it must meet today. While we’ve seen upgrades to the operating theatres in recent years and proposals to update the maternity unit, there comes a time when renovating an aging building, which is no longer fit for purpose, is the wrong answer.

“That’s why we need a new hospital fit for the 21st century needs of the Highlands.

“I am campaigning to ensure, whoever emerges as the winner of the SNP’s leadership contest, that this issue is at the top of their priority list moving forward.”