Moira Kerr
The NHS has been accused of abusing the good will of a small Scots community which has raised £96,000 in six months in a desperate bid to secure a local dialysis unit.
Locals say that, just like Oliver Twist, NHS Highland keeps on asking the 5,000 residents of Campbeltown for more.
Donald Kelly, Chairman of Kintyre Dialysis Campaign Group, said people were shocked and angry when, despite the town's fundraising efforts, NHS Highland Service manager Kristin Gillies, asked them to raise even more cash.
More is needed because NHS Highland's original estimates to house the unit in Campbeltown Hospital were too low.
Councillor Kelly says the health authority has repeatedly changed its story over how much cash is needed and it is now time for the NHS to put its hand in its pocket to provide the crucial facility.
Campbeltown kidney patients endure the longest journey in Britain, travelling 700 miles a week for three dialysis sessions at the Vale of Leven Hospital, because NHS Highland does not provide any dialysis facilities in Argyll.
Councillor Kelly said: "We are extremely disappointed that the NHS continually move the goalposts in respect to the funding required.
"The fundraising efforts of our community have went way and beyond what NHS or any other organisation would expect them to achieve.
"It is now time for the NHS to step up to the plate and meet any anticipated shortfall in respect to
the capital costs for this project."
Argyll MSP Michael Russell claims NHS Highland is abusing the good will of the Campbeltown people.
He said: "Donald and the community have raised an amazing amount in order to allow the community dialysis
unit to go ahead.
"NHS Highland should be very thankful to have such a willing partner but instead, like Oliver Twist, they keep
asking for more.
"The latest demand is utterly unacceptable and I have therefore asked the chairman of NHS Highlands to stop this
abuse of community goodwill, get on with converting the space allocated in the hospital and get the unit operating."
NHS Highland Service Planning Manager Kristin Gillies said they would be going out to tender for work on the new
unit shortly.
She added: "Our design team is estimating that the capital costs will now be approximately £111,000 and this is
the figure that we will be working towards.
"The on going funding by the local community has been really amazing and we are so grateful for everything that
has been achieved in such a short period of time.
"I would ask if they would continue with their fundraising as without their support we would never have got this project
up and running in the first place."
The contribution initially sought from the community - and agreed - was £34,000 in year two for dialysis chairs.
There was then a request to help meet the capital cost of conversion work at the hospital in year one and a further
£40,000 was raised. Fundraisers have since brought in an extra £20,000, to bring community funds to £96,000.
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