NHS Western Isles is exploring becoming an alternative provider of the An Cotan Childcare Centre in Stornoway, either on its own or as part of a partnership.
Lews Castle College / UHI Outer Hebrides proposes closing the nursery in April, citing severe staffing issues and financial losses.
Many fear its fate has already been decided despite a consultation by the college.
Childcare provision is a long-
As one of the main employers in the Western Isles, NHS Western Isles said it recognises the importance of childcare provision to enable parents and carers to work, as well as the clear benefits of high quality childcare for the children themselves.
Faced with ongoing serious recruitment challenges across the organisation, and the steady population decline, the health board said it is keen to explore the options for An Cotan to support existing staff with children, future staff and our wider community.
NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, said: “We have been in contact with the UHI to ensure they are aware of our intention to explore becoming an alternative provider for the running of the nursery, either on our own, or as part of a wider partnership.
“There will be significant amount of very detailed work necessary to progress this, but we are committed to doing what we can to ensure that the facility remains open.”
Closure plans which involve redundancies for 12 staff drew deep criticism from Unison Scotland which accused the college of acting unfairly.
The college is proposing compulsory redundancies but only provides a consultation timeline of just two weeks, allowing “no time for proper consideration” of counter-
Unison said it has entered a formal dispute over its procedures. .
NHS Western Isles explores taking over An Cotan nursery in Stornoway
15 March 2023