Highland MSP Edward Mountain has made a series of allegations claiming official failures have led to a long wait for the publication of the probe into bullying at NHS Highland that is “unfair” to staff.
He also hit out at the twice postponed NHS Highland annual review, describing the situation as "ridiculous."
Mr Mountain alleged the Scottish Government has shown “a lack of urgency” about the review which he claimed has been hampered by “a lack of resources to deal with this significant problem.”
John Sturrock QC was appointed to investigate serious allegations of bullying within the health board that went back years.
When it was announced Mr Mountain welcomed the move saying a review would be able to report back sooner than an inquiry which would benefit all concerned, it was expected to report back in early February.
Mr Mountain said: “The Sturrock review was originally meant to be published in February but it is highly likely we won’t see the final report until after Easter.
“The inquiry has gone for too long because of insufficient urgency from the Scottish Government and a lack of resources to deal with this significant problem, which was evident to everyone with a close connection to NHS Highland.
“This long delay is deeply unfair to our health care staff who are being made to wait for answers. We cannot begin to rebuild staff confidence at NHS Highland until this report is published.”
He also criticised the postponement of NHS Highland’s annual review which was due to take place was due to take place on February 18 but was changed to April 9 to allow newly appointed chief executive Iain Stewart time to become acquainted with issues faced by the board.
Chairman David Alston resigned with immediate effect in late February, and the appointment of the interim chairman Professor Boyd Robertson and last week it was announced that a further postponement from April 9 to the April 25 would be made.
Mr Mountain said: “The annual review is repeatedly being postponed and the situation is now getting ridiculous.
“I hope this is the last time this is rearranged as those who use the service need to be given the opportunity to raise their concerns to the Health Board.
There can be no more postponements. It’s time for the Cabinet Secretary and the NHS Highland Health Board to face the public.”
At the time NHS Highland blamed the change in "executive leadership."
A spokeswoman said: "NHS Highland and the Scottish Government have agreed that in light of the recent change of executive leadership, the annual review, planned for the 18th February, will now be postponed until later in the spring."
