Health board plan to take over An Cotan childcare nursery still in limbo

Delays have hit Western Isles NHS plans to take over the running An Cotan Childcare Centre in Stornoway.

Hopes the health board proposed intervention would prevent the premises from shutting its doors were dashed when Lews Castle College confirmed its full closure earlier in the summer.

Its 3-5 years provision was shut by the college last year.

Childcare provision for under-fives are severely hit in the absence of the facility.

Legal uncertainties threw a shadow over the take-over proposal and the health board feared it risked acting outwith the law if they rented the premises.

Previous advice said the provision of child care services is not a service provided under the 1978 NHS Act therefore Western Isles Health Board “do not have power to enter into a lease for this purpose.”

However, the health board consulted with a Scottish KC and received a favourable response.

But “further clarification” on the Scottish Government’s position is required before the matter can progress.

NHS Western Isles chief executive, Gordon Jamieson, said: “The KC advice has now been received and is very positive but we do require further clarification on the Scottish Government position.

“When we get that back from Scottish Government we will come back to the board with options for consideration.”

He added: “The landscape has changed significantly over recent months. The nursery sadly closed at the end of July.

“The board is acutely aware of the ongoing pressures on parents and families (including our own staff) which is at the forefront of its mind and we recognise the need for a conclusion at the earliest opportunity.”

Health board plan to take over An Cotan childcare nursery still in limbo

31 August 2023