WATCH: 3,000 march over feared Highland hospital closures

Up to 3,000 protesters marched through Wick and Thurso yesterday, over fears that their local hospitals may shut.

NHS Highland says the futures of the Town and County, and The Dunbar have not yet been decided, although there is an ongoing review.

A spokesperson for the health board has told MFR News: "While no decisions have been made, the main thrust of the review...is to have less reliance on hospital beds...NHS Highland has made no secret that current staffing pressures...are presenting challenges that may potentially have an impact on its services."

It's understood that the earliest any decision could be made is next month.

Yesterday the demonstrators packed halls to hear local politicians deliver public speeches, and take questions from the audience.

Among the panel was LibDem MP Jamie Stone, Labour MSP Rhoda Grant, Conservative MSP Edward Mountain, and the SNP's Gail Ross who represents the Caithness, Sutherland & Ross constituency of the Scottish Parliament.

The local politician was heckled when she revealed that she has still not visited Wick Town & County Hospital, as other local representatives have done already.

WATCH: It was a 'difficult' day for constituency MSP Gail Ross:

WATCH: Can you spot yourself in our videos of the marches?

WATCH: Tory MSP Edward Mountain also made public speeches and took questions:

FULL STATEMENT FROM NHS HIGHLAND:

'While no decisions have been made, the main thrust of the review is to look at all options to strengthen community-based services in the future and have less reliance on hospital beds in line with the National strategy.

'A ‘bed strategy options appraisal event’ was held with local councillors and community stakeholders in Halkirk in September, and two further workshops are planned for 2nd and 10th November. While the board is aware of the demonstrations planned for the end of the month, it hopes that any concerns about options will be raised and addressed during these workshops.

'NHS Highland is currently looking at options as part of a Caithness-wide review of all hospitals in the area. (NHS Highland has made no secret that current staffing pressures across many services including Caithness General Hospital, Town & County and Dunbar are presenting challenges that may potentially have an impact on its services in the short term.)

'At the first appraisal event, attendees were informed that less than one in five people requiring end-of-life care currently receive it in a hospital setting in Caithness. Also, whatever the future models of care, the board made a commitment that the model chosen will aim to reduce the need for travel for Caithness residents. (There are currently around 10,000 appointments a year at Raigmore).

'Only after the workshop events in November, will NHS Highland then decide with the Scottish Health Council whether any further work on the options is necessary, or whether it can move to public consultation.'