Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant, has welcomed proactive action being taken by NHS Western Isles to mitigate disruption during power failures.
After meeting with engineers who braved appalling weather conditions to reconnect homes and properties during January storms, the MSP wrote to all health boards in the Highlands and Islands region advising them of Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution’s ‘Priority Services Register,’ encouraging the health boards to promote the register amongst vulnerable people in their area.
Mrs Grant says she is delighted with NHS Western Isles has been in contact with Scottish Hydro Electric about the register.
The isles health board annually review requirements of battery back up and deliver these directly to households during weather emergencies if required.
The health board is also reviewing emergency generator supply to all of their GP practices and will bring the Priority Services Register to the attention of local emergency planning group.
Mrs Grant highlighted: “Anyone who may be vulnerable without electricity, whether that is due to a medical condition, age, disability or having babies under 12 months, should add their details to the register as it could just save lives.”
Praise for health board’s power cut response
2 April 2015