‘We need more people like Bernhard Wolf in our health service’

Holyrood Notebook by Edward Mountain

In my time as an MSP I don’t think I’ve heard so many people speak as positively about a medical professional as they have Bernhard Wolf.

Until recently, he was NHS Highlands’ last vascular surgeon, and saved many lives in his role.

Unfortunately, he has now been forced to resign – leaving our vast region with no such specialists – because, in his words, “the care provision for vascular patients has become unacceptable”.

He fought bravely against the tide for years, in the face of a health board determined to cut back and a Scottish Government which paid precious little attention.

It became too much, and he now feels the only way to draw attention to the gravity of the situation is to fall on his own sword.

I raised this matter in the Scottish Parliament, and was met with a typically disinterested response from the SNP government.

And when I posted this exchange from Holyrood on my MSP Facebook page I was astonished at the scale of response.

Dozens came on to express their outrage at the loss of such a vital professional, and paid tribute to his work.

“So sorry to hear it came to this – your commitment over the years has been phenomenal,” said one poster.

Another added that Mr Wolf was “one of the most hardworking, dedicated and caring doctors I ever met”.

And one local said: “This will be an incalculable loss to the people of the Highlands.

“His name has become a byword for selfless dedication and he is held in highest esteem for his heroic work ethic and very approachable and compassionate attitude.”

Many others relayed examples of him saving their lives, or caring for sick family members.

All shared a horror that the health board had needlessly lost such an important figure, and now a deep concern for the future.

His departure, and the erosion of the vascular service in the Highlands, could cause particular pain for patients across Caithness.

Many will face an extremely long journey for treatment, in a taxi or the back of an ambulance, down towards the central belt.

Some won’t make it.

This is just the latest blow for people in the area, who already have to cope with, among other things, dire maternity services and the impact of the loss of cottage hospitals.

It’s bad enough so many have to travel down to Inverness, let alone this new challenge which will force even further and more uncomfortable journeys.

If the Scottish Government truly wanted to restore healthcare in the Highlands to a decent standard it would do everything it could to get Bernhard Wolf back.

And if they can, they should listen to what he has to say about creating a safe, fair and sustainable vascular service.

Mr Wolf himself commented on my post, saying: “I realise there is no easy fix. Being transparent and open is the first step.”

In response, one woman said simply: “Thanks to you, I had many more years with my mum.”

That’s exactly the kind of man we’re losing here in the Highlands, and the litany of evidence from people whose lives he enhanced must give the health board and the government serious food for thought.

• Edward Mountain is a Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands.

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