Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MSP Alasdair Allan and Barraigh, Bhatarsaigh, Eiriosgaigh agus Uibhist a Deas Councillors Donald Manford and Calum MacMillan are continuing to push to ensure the Outline Business Case for the St Brendan’s Hospital Hub project is submitted by August this year.

It was originally thought that the Outline Business Case would be submitted to the Scottish Government in late Spring or early Summer. 
 
Alasdair Allan MSP commented:
 
“People in Barra have waited long enough to see a replacement for the current St Brendan’s hospital and people are now understandably keen to be updated as to when the project will move to the next stage.

“From conversations I have had, and continue to have, with health officials in the Scottish Government, it appears that many of the issues holding back the progression of the project have been resolved and that the ball in now squarely in the court of NHS Western Isles and the Western Isles IJB.”

Cllr Calum MacMillan commented:

“I recently met with the Chief Officer of the Western Isles Integrated Joint Board to impress upon him the need for the OBC to be submitted as quickly as possible. While I am not entirely satisfied with the explanation for the recent delays, the important thing is that there is now nothing stopping this from moving forward.” 
 
Cllr Donald Manford commented:
 
“Along with Alasdair Allan MSP, I met with the Cabinet Secretary for Health Shona Robison MSP earlier this year to stress the importance of the new hospital to our community and ask that her officials give it special attention.
 
“This seems to have borne some fruit, as they have been able to facilitate an agreement between the IJB, NHS Western Isles and the Comhairle, with all parties seemingly in agreement that outstanding issues have been resolved and that the OBC could be submitted by August.
 
“I would like the community in Barra to know that their representatives are determined to see this project completed and will continue to push for progress from all involved.”