Why did the Minister decide that an Argyll & Bute health board is not an effective use of resources?
The Scottish Executive responded that there are still some urban areas of Argyll and Bute, so it would not solve the problems completely and the future of health boards is under debate. • There was concern over how clinical pathways can stay the same, with the same forces that built up the £80 million debt. Wider networks and clinicians will benefit the planning of services. NHS Argyll & Clyde’s budget of £550million will be split between NHS Highland and NHS Greater Glasgow via the Arbuthnott formula. • It was queried whether the sum would be the same once the population was split or if the budget for the area would be higher than for NHS Argyll & Clyde. The Scottish Executive explained that as yet this information was not available. • If Option 3 is chosen what happens to the Highlands and Islands transport scheme. The Scottish Executive outlined that Regional Transport Authorities will be in place next summer and transport needs assessments are mandatory for all NHS service proposal
