And the HN can reveal that Raigmore's general manager Susan Eddie has dramatically quit her £80,000 a year job, citing "personal reasons" for her resignation.

NHS Highland was unable to say this week if she is to be replaced - despite a recruitment freeze having been imposed in recent weeks as the hospital attempts to make major savings.

The HN has been contacted by several hospital insiders over the past week who have expressed worries over potential wards closures and hours cuts among relief bank nurses.

It was claimed that the gynaecology ward could be one to be axed with the patients being treated in general wards.

Given the sensitive nature of the procedures carried out in this particular female ward, this would be a highly controversial move.

Concern among the staff has been growing and is being fuelled by the fact that the cash-strapped health authority is closing the 14-bed rehabilitation Ward 2C within the next month and the nursing staff redeployed.

An internal memo leaked to the HN recently revealed an immediate freeze had been slapped on all new vacancies, with more staff being warned that they could be redeployed while others have been informed there is a block on all non-mandatory study leave and training.

Insiders claim the troubles at the hospital are further compounded by the fact that some high-profile medical staff have threatened to quit, such is their concern.

Asked about the situation at Raigmore, an NHS Highland spokeswoman said: "We are reviewing the whole bed stock across the hospital - this is part of an NHS Highland-wide bed review - and are consulting with clinical colleagues on this to ensure the best use of beds throughout.

"We want to make sure we are making best use of the facilities and staff available so that we have no inappropriate use of beds - for example unnecessary overnight stays.

"If this has an impact on staff we will work with the staff with regards redeployment to suitable alternative posts."

Regarding whether Ms Eddie's imminent vacant post would be filled, the spokeswoman said the hospital's chief operating officer would be working with Ms Eddie to make arrangements as to what would be put in place.

Local politicians this week voiced concern about the uncertainty at Raigmore.

Inverness MP Danny Alexander blamed the SNP government for changing the cash-funding formula for health boards in Scotland, which effectively meant NHS Highland had been given the lowest possible increase.

"Given the very significant costs of delivering health care across such a huge area as the Highlands, this decision has put funding for health care in the Highlands under intolerable pressure," he said.

"I would very much hope that health service managers will not have to make the sorts of savings that are being rumoured, and it may well be that NHS Highland will have to go back to the Scottish Government to ask for additional resources. If that is the case, I hope that politicians of every party in the Highlands will give their support."

Mr Alexander added: "The Scottish Government has got into the habit of centralising policy and leaving others to take the blame."

And Highland MSP Mary Scanlon said: "My concern is that any change in patient care should be done openly and transparently with consultation with the patient care group and the staff who deliver the services."

Mrs Scanlon said the cuts were being made "behind closed doors".

"As a public sector organisation with a multi-million pound budget, I think NHS Highland should be open and honest and not just to tell us which wards are being closed and which cuts are being made," she added.

"We are entitled to know where this money is being reinvested, given that Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that NHS Highland will not have any less money to spend on patient care."

l.ford@spp-group.com

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