NHS Western Isles faces mounting pressure after the resignations of two senior dentists, Iain McKinnon and John Jolly, amid contractual disputes.
Mr. McKinnon is reported to be moving to a mainland NHS role, with sources suggesting NHS Western Isles declined requests for more family-friendly working terms. Mr. Jolly is set to leave in February, linked to the creation of a new senior dental officer role as part of ongoing organisational changes.
NHS Western Isles confirmed it is seeking locum staff to cover the vacancies. Councillor Mustapha Hocine described the situation as “appalling” and is calling for an urgent meeting with Joanne Bark, director of dental services, and Emma Macsween, head of the Integrated Joint Board.
Currently, five dental positions remain unfilled, including three in Uist and Barra—among them the senior dental officer role at Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh—and two receptionist roles at the Western Isles Dental Centre.
An NHS source warned that the number of vacancies highlights serious issues. “Anyone coming from the mainland would see this and think, ‘something’s wrong.’ The Southern Isles are at a crisis point. Everything is on a knife’s edge,” the source said.
Cllr Hocine noted that a few years ago, NHS Western Isles and the IJB closed three local practices to centralize services at Uist and Barra Hospital, despite community opposition. Promises of a “first-class” service have not materialized, with dentist numbers dropping from four to two and routine appointments now limited to emergencies.
“The loss of John and Iain will have a huge impact on patients and the community. Both were established and committed members of the local dental team,” Cllr Hocine said, adding that McKinnon’s resignation reportedly centered on school-friendly working hours. “Experienced dentists are highly sought after and difficult to replace. Losing two over HR issues is shocking.”
A spokeswoman for NHS Western Isles confirmed recruitment efforts are ongoing, including locum cover and permanent or temporary arrangements expected before February.
In response, Uist and Barra councillors submitted a formal joint request for an urgent meeting with NHS dental directors. The submission warned that the situation could “significantly harm the community” and criticized centralization policies that failed to ensure adequate staffing.
“Depopulation challenges make retaining working-age families vital. If dental services are not aligned with this goal, serious questions must be asked,” the councillors said. “Residents of Uist and Barra deserve better.”