Local MSP David Stewart, Labour, who is also his party’s shadow Health Minister is delighted that NHS Western Isles have approved the dispensing of the diabetes glucose monitoring system – Freestyle libre, which allows diabetics to monitor their glucose levels in a much more discreet, free and easy manner with little inconvenience whatsoever.

This is a provision NHS Orkney and NHS Shetland are also looking into.

David Stewart said:

“I asked the [Scottish] Government Minister, Aileen Campbell MSP, back in June within the Scottish Parliament, which NHS Boards in Scotland offered this advanced system and I was advised that seven Boards did, but none of those were in the Highlands & Islands”.

“I am delighted that NHS Western Isles have taken the lead within the Highlands & Islands and now I would like to see the other Boards do likewise. I will be making contact with them to establish if they have made a decision on this matter yet and if not I will be encouraging them to seriously consider dispensing this device on prescription.

 “ Many diabetic constituents and their families have made contact over the months with me seeking to learn when and if the Freestyle libre will be available on prescription.”