Support building for Replace Raigmore petition despite rebuff from First Minister

Over 200 people and counting have now signed a public petition calling for a brand new hospital to replace Raigmore since it launched yesterday morning and which can be signed online by following this link.

This growing well of support comes despite the First Minister’s comments made this week that the Scottish Government was “not looking at replacing Raigmore right now.”

In his former role as Cabinet Secretary for Health & Social Care, Humza Yousaf MSP had stated that: “no doubt that Raigmore Hospital will require significant investment – through either a full refurbishment or, indeed, replacement.”

Edward Mountain MSP is now encouraging everyone in the Highlands to join with the hundreds who have already signed the petition and to send a clear message to the First Minister that the region needs a brand new acute general teaching hospital.

Edward Mountain MSP said:

“The First Minister knows very well that Raigmore requires a replacement – he stated that just two months ago.

“His comments this week will not test my resolve with the campaign for a brand new hospital. Indeed, I am pleased that hundreds of people have already signed the petition and I will continue to campaign tirelessly on this issue throughout the summer.

“I believe that as more and more people sign the petition then the First Minister can be swayed into supporting a replacement for Raigmore.

“We know the Scottish Government will soon be considering which new hospitals to build from 2025 onwards and Raigmore must be a top priority.

“It will be if enough people sign the petition, because then we can say to the government: the people of the Highlands want it and you’ve got to deliver.

“I would encourage everyone to sign the petition and then share it with their family, friends and neighbours too. Together we can build the momentum for a brand new Hospital for the Highlands.

“If you are unable to sign the petition online then please feel free to visit my Regional Office in Inverness, where my staff will be happy to help people sign the petition in person.”

Kirsteen Campbell, chair of the North Highland Women’s Wellness Hub, also backed calls for a brand new hospital. In an interview with STV, Kirsteen Campbell said:

“We had one hospital built in the 1980s well past its time. If you look at other cities, there’s an average of two to three hospitals.

“We desperately need that in the Highlands. I think it could have so much potential.

“There needs to be a new facility – and for it to go back to teaching would be amazing.”

“We desperately need to see some changes. Hopefully a few years down the line we will see some improvements.

“Healthcare is vital for us all. You never know when something is going to go wrong and you’ll need those services yourself.

“It needs to be good and well staffed. Be a voice for yourself. We get better in life when we advocate for ourselves.”