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    Minutes of Meeting

    held at Portree Hospital, Portree

Tuesday, 27 January 2009 at 12:00 noon 

NB There was no Panel meeting held in December 2008 

    1. Welcome:– Chair Colin welcomed all those present including Guests: Natalie Morel [NHS Highland]; Jan Laing Ward Manager[HC], and Mark Crowe TECS [HC].
    2. Present: Colin Hutchings, Mike Dunworth, Nicola Rust, Nora Warby, Wendie Elliot, Cllr Ian Renwick, John Holt, Mike Taylor, Julia Rudram[part-time], Una MacLeod, and Joan Turkington (Minute Secretary).
    3. Apologies-Liz Macleod, and. Jim Towers
    4. Approval of Minutes (25 November 2008): Minutes were proposed by Mike Dunworth, seconded by Mike Taylor, and unanimously approved.
    5. MATTERS ARISING:
 
  1. PACC [Portree Area Community Company Ltd]  – Jim Towers will raise the subject of footpaths at Home Farm at the next Local Access Forum. Their Chair is W Peppe / Action: Jim Towers. O/S
  2.  Ardvasar Hotel - A draft letter will be drawn up for approval before sending to the Hotel proprietor Richard ? [Hold meantime]. Action: Joan
  3.  Broadford Co-op.- Toilet roll holders NOT installed. o/s. Action CH
  4.  Broadford Toilets/Highland Council –Toilet seat in the disabled toilet has been replaced. Taps need replacement. Doors and sinks still to be done. –Health and safety issue! Action: o/s email Mark Crowe with cc JL Highland Council :
  5.  Discretionary Grants/ General Funding / Marketing [see last page]
  6.  Skeabost Hotel – Apparently the hotel is under new Management [Oxford Hotels ] visit to be undertaken by members at a date and time TBA
  7.  Public liability insurance. O/S disappointed at KR SDEF to be contacted re accident insurance and advice on this subject. Re what level of insurance is required. Outstanding Action: Joan
  8.  Surveys.– Suggested donation for travel expenses ‘walk through’ if requested from them. Official report £150 for photos, survey and written report.
  9.  Broadford Hospital –It was reported that there was no privacy in the toilets, or bathing facilities. O/S
  10.  Kyle Court, Inverness
  • Kate Earnshaw gave an update at Columba 1400 [22 Sept 2008] 6 months on and still no progress! Gary Coutts NHS to be invited to a future Ward Forum Meeting.- no plans drawn re access. NOTED Jan Laing, Kate Earnshaw NHS O/S
  • This subject to be raised at the Health and Social Care Forum –regarding refurbishment, accommodation/ground floor flat – 3 families have to use the same toilet for patients receiving chemo treatment O/S…
  1.  Kyle Medical Centre
  • ‘Findings from Site Visit by Skye and Lochalsh Access Panel Members – [1st August 2008’ accompanied Kate Earnshaw and Natalie Morel – NHS Highland]- Chair gave each member a copy of the Findings of Site Visit. [see attached] detailing various points raised by the Panel and advice by NHS Highland to address the problems. O/S.
  • It was noted to the panel that kerbs are too high and there is only 1 designated parking space – not flat access. O/S
  1.  Sleat Medical Centre –It was reported new doors had been fitted, but needed adjustment. O/S
  1.  Portree Medical Centre – Internal good practice. Email received from Dr S McCabe. Julia to reply to this via email. Ward Forum Meeting notes 22 September 2008. Dr S McCabe to get letter from Kate Earnshaw regarding various issues with the Centre. Kate Earnshaw indicated at the WFM that Portree Medical Centre are responsible for their own actions – namely any expenses involved ie to become fully DDA compliant etc. Staff are aware of these problems. O/S
  2.  Portree Medical Centre - Access/roadway/pavement - It has been reported by various people that these premises are a nightmare to access. Eg no designated disabled parking; only a drop only. Pavement a disgrace;[MC] staff will open doors if requested, but problems with early appointments. O/S
  3.  Portree Hospital – inside door done; internal corridor door still outstanding. Internal corridor doors OK have now been fitted with magnet. But door from lift has no push pad. Action: Colin – still outstanding O/S.
  4.  Radar Keys –A3 Sign needed on disabled toilet door [on The Green Toilet block] re the nearest key holder outstanding. Also possible tourist information office?  Action: O/S TECS Mark Crowe.
  5.  Kyle Village– kerbs being done, Bank of Scotland pavements being done, resurfacing of road ? Get update from Mark Crowe Action: TECS – Mark Crowe
  6.  Alliance meeting - Hopefully this will be scheduled for March/April 2009 – Hall hire £6.00 per hour approx 3.5 hours Donation from Alliance panel members of £6.00 per person soup and sandwiches. Kyleakin Hall. Action: Joan / Mike Taylor.
  7.  The Constitution - could be revised to incorporate ‘ people who face barriers or represent someone who does.[face barriers] Next AGM 2009 NOTED + trustees? CH
  8.  Portree [signage etc] Various members requested that better signage in general necessary in Portree re parking spaces for disabled persons. eg at Library [former] This fact was agreed by all. Action: IR/H Council / Mark Crowe/ Colin – George Speed to be invited to next panel meeting on 25 November 2008. There was a general discussion on recent ‘walk about’ in Portree with the Macdonald family; photos were taken and a list drawn up – need to identify and prioritise these ‘obstacles’ e.g. need for dropped kerbs George Speed,46 photos taken but no feed-back from George Speed /Julia :Action Mark Crowe TECS O/S
  9.  Columba 1400 - On a visit to Columba 1400 to the ward forum meeting on 22 September members observed a number of actions needing attention. [wheelchair access, the ‘Under Manager’ requested a survey by the Access Panel, to look at various aspects to make the Centre fully  DDA compliant. O/S]
  • A suggestion was made that we hold meeting at Columba 1400 to look at actions outlined to the panel. It was felt that the panel visit to Columba 1400 should be left until Spring of 2009.This was agreed.
  1.  Co-op Portree - It was reported that the dropped kerb at the back of the needed attention; also ‘pavement bit…missing’; Colin said he would contact TECS . apparently there is only funding available for 2 dropped kerbs. Need to prioritise. .Mark Crowe O/S
  2.  Kyle – TECS to update on this matter.
  3.  Portree High School - New legislation – disabled parking – there is new legislation [Scotland] on enforcement for illegal use of disabled parking spaces. Action : Joan/Jan Laing [WM] O/S
  4.  Better Health Services – A member was involved in a survey re [leaflet copy] this is being ‘rolled out’ Scotland wide. GP services is the next survey to be considered. Ongoing
 
 
  1. TREASURER’S REPORT
  • The current balance stands at £3403 at the year end.
  • Bank statement shows £3344.97 at 9/3/2009
 
      
  1. TRAINING - Training Courses –next – subject ‘Health and Safety and Risk Assessment’.. Postponed until April/May 2009 Possible venue Broadford Service Point – wheelchair accessible. Julia  to confirm
  2.  NEW BUSINESS
 

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 2.30 pm with Thanks to the Chair. 

Next Meeting: 

      Tuesday 31 March 2009

      Venue Tigh Na Drochaid, Portree

      At 12:30 pm 

Approval of Minutes

Date:  31 March 2009

Proposed by:   John Holt

Seconded by:  Mike Dunworth

 

Discretionary Grants/General Funding/ Marketing the Access Panel’ – Two applications have been made to various sources, but as yet no reply. Action Nicola Rust

Leaflets will be re-designed. Wendie/Bruce volunteered. Action Wendie & Bruce

**********************************************************

 

Mark Crowe – TECS and Jan Laing Ward Forum Manager [Highland Council]

Jan Laing [Ward Forum Manager] was advised by Joan Turkington regarding her observation re the new swimming pool – eg privacy [none] also the glass wall at the front of the Swimming Pool. The public can see in.  

HIGHLAND COUNCIL – TECS – MARK CROWE UPDATE 

Update from Mark Crowe and Colin that Mark would detail all the various places within the village of Portree where pavements and dropped kerbs have been identified for repair or moving or relocation. 

Mark distributed coloured copies of the areas around Portree village which needed input by Highland Council on behalf of the Access Panel. [copy attached].

Update not available for meeting on 31 March 2009 from Mark Crowe 

Broadford Toilets [Highland Council]

  • As an option –Mark put forward the suggestion of using the Broadford village hall facilities - this was not accepted
  • The other option was using the new Refurbished Co-op – this was also discounted as not being acceptable.
  • Highland Council has a total of 12 council toilet facilities for either a rebuild or refurbishment
 

NB  Since Portree toilets were recently refurbished any other toilets within Skye would be of a lesser priority. Currently the funding is not available for Broadford – 4 years off

However the small tasks needing done would be completed eg toilet seats, taps, sinks, doors – at a cost of £2,000 –  

      Future priorities include Fort Augustus, Alness, Wick and Thurso.  

Portnalong - New hall – toilets, start date of 1st April 2009

A suggestion was made about using Talisker distillery – but this was not available for general public use.

Minginish New Community Hall - have plans to include toilets

Carbost- Hours open 1st April till end October 8 am till 8 pm 
 

    Portree Village - Mark Crowe – Roadway

  • Portree medical centre at the ‘LUMP’- responsibility of  Highland Council
  • Roadway at RBS to the LUMP’ is the responsibility of Highland Council -  Mark Crowe
  • Portree medical centre – actual disabled parking being done
  • The roadway from the ‘LUMP’ to the hospital – is the responsibility of  NHS Highland.
 

    Action : Natalie Morel [NHS] and Mark Crowe [Highland Council] 

Broadford Hospital

  • Wendie Elliot – Wendie handed out a copy of her notes.
  • It was reported that there was no privacy in the toilets, or bathing facilities.
  • The staff at this hospital are extremely kind and considerate, but the facilities need an upgrade.
 

Broadford hospital - Natalie Morel said she would discuss further 

The new hall at Portnalong was set for 1st April 2009

Ian Renwick said that Talisker distillery was not on the scheme. 

Portree Hospital

  • It was reported that the ‘sling to transfer’ was too small.
  • Podiatry department – 2 doors are heavy – no touch pad
  • Lift no use
 

Raigmore Hospital

  • Shower/toilet door- this facility has only one door which leads to a toilet and a shower – the space available is too small for wheelchair users.
  • 2 spaces currently for disabled; Polite stickers asking drivers not to park in spaces reserved for blue badge holders were placed on cars who use disabled facilities for parking. However it would be better with 3 specified disabled parking spaces, and deal with currently wrong usage.
  • Currently there is no policy in place at Raigmore nor a team in place to deal with this situation; no job description in place either.
  • Natalie Morel –said she would also speak to area management committee to review the situation.
  • Skips for rubbish are just dumped – is there a policy in place to deal with this? - General Manager to check.- Suggestion that handyman could help.
  • cash office too far away
  • It was suggested that to alleviate the long distances between departments electric buggies could be offered in the short term.
 

Natalie Morel – to investigate this 

Kyle Court, Inverness [Matters Arising – Items 11 and 12]

  • This matter has been under discussion for some considerable time now [originally raised at the Ward Forum meeting in 2008] when it was advised that there would be feedback to the Panel by February 2009. To date there has been NO feedback. Why Not?
  • too much walking
 

Natalie Morel – to investigate this 

   Kyle Medical Centre

    • No handles included.
    • Also late handover
    • C Gould stated that parking is restricted 30 minutes[But others park all day] **
    • Police input – check this out.
    • Size of lift is wrong, but this cannot be altered
    • NB General input or advice sought from the Access Panel when this building was being built

** It is understood that new policies are underway by the Government regarding this issue.  

Natalie Morel to write to Practice Manager on the above 

New space to be created

      Car parking Caroline Gould 

Portree Medical Centre

  • This medical cent re is not currently DDA compliant, but since it is Funded by themselves they are responsible. Dr S McCabe is aware of Panel’s involvement.
  • There is no funding apparently to make any major changes.
  • Scoring is underway to check out good practice.
  • Magnet not activated
 

Natalie Morel to write to Practice Manager on the above 

Dunvegan Medical Centre  

 
    • Colin – reported that the bell on the outside of building at entrance door is now working. Also ‘stick on’ label is in place on outside door displaying disabled logo
    •  Wet floor on inside of medical centre –[ vestibule] health and safety issue - – Colin will action this
 

GENERAL NOTES

Broadford - Caroline Gould reported that Broadford Community Council was newly formed.

    Mark advised that the current budget had been sliced by £100,000 and that he was going to a meeting on 28 January 2009 re funding.

    Natalie Morel – mentioned

  • Attitudes – index
  • Personal development plan.
 
  • Caroline Gould asked if CG Broadford village hall was DDA compliant?
  • Polling stations - Voting in June 2009 – it was stated that there were no hand rails at the entrance to the village hall. Contact highland council
 
  • Broadford Premises [butcher and take Away] ‘Waterfront’ – ramp too narrow
  • Contact owner – re plans – Adam Macdonald and Roddy?
 

    Bank of Scotland – Broadford / Kyle

    Caroline Gould again reported that her branch of the Bank of Scotland in Broadford [which is DDA compliant] now closes on a Thursday. This leaves no option but to use the next nearest branch in Kyle which is not accessible for her. Caroline feels that this discriminates against disabled and/or wheelchair users. reported that the Bank of Scotland branch in Broadford is closed-the pavement is not easily accessible for disabled persons. HC 

    Kyle Village

  • Julia – said it was more a blank canvas allocating parking – who deals with this? She asked this question of Mark Crowe – local and police
  • Julia raised access panel concerns regarding the service point – Mark Crowe/Gordon Macdonald [Highland Council} to report back.
  • The barrier in the Main Street/service point/-One way street – road markings to be re-hashed – still to be done. Action Mark Crowe
  • Disabled space at service point – used all day by persons who are NOT disabled – or displaying a blue badge.
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