NHS Highland patients face travelling hundreds of miles after last vascular surgeon resigns

NHS Highland patients face travelling hundreds of miles for care after Raigmore Hospital’s only vascular surgeon resigned over safety concerns.

Bernhard Wolf has resigned from his position with NHS Highland, describing the standard of care offered to vascular patients as “unacceptable.”

“I realise there is no easy fix,” he said in a social media post.

“Being transparent and open is the first step. I believe in a better future for our patients.”

Patients now face journeys in excess of 200 miles to services in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, or Glasgow, which can take as long as two to five hours.

While NHS Highland says it has hired a locum, or temporary staff member, the health board was unable to confirm whether any vascular care is being offered.

A spokesperson said: “We are currently delivering access to services in collaboration with a number of Health Boards across Scotland”.

NHS Highland said it is facing a “national shortage of specialist colleagues” and is ensuring patients can “attend dedicated, expert centres for some treatments.

“We are grateful to other Boards for their support for those patients who require the most specialist intervention.

“We recognise that it is not ideal for patients to travel for their treatment and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

“Vascular pathways particularly for access to arterial operating in NHS Highland are being reshaped… we are engaging with Scottish Government in terms of moving towards meeting national recommendations.”

Vascular surgery is the name given to a number of procedures that involve blood vessels, the network of arteries and veins that carry blood.

Conditions that require vascular surgery include aortic aneurysms, deep vein thrombosis, diabetic foot disease and vascular trauma.

Scottish Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain described the resignation as “bad news for patients” who need urgent treatment.

“In nine years in the Parliament, I have never been contacted by so many members of staff, patients and family of patients praising Mr Wolf.

“It is clear he did an excellent job and was inspirational. I commend him for speaking out and for his service.

“NHS Highland must respond to the concerns of patients and staff. At the moment, they seem unwilling to admit they have made a mistake.”

Fergus Ewing, SNP MSP for Inverness and Nairn, said he is “deeply disappointed” by the impact this will have on patients in the Highlands.

“Forcing individuals to travel over 200 miles to Dundee or Aberdeen for vital vascular surgeries is unacceptable and places an undue burden on some of our most vulnerable residents.

“Previously, I raised my concerns about the future of vascular services directly with NHS Highland’s chief executive last year, urging them to prioritise local provision for Highland patients.

“While I understand the challenges outlined in their review, it is imperative that any regional restructuring of healthcare services ensures equitable access for rural communities.”