Reports have stated that the Board is making cuts to pay back a loan granted by the Scottish Government.

However a spokesperson for the Board said that there is to be no 'disinvestment' in jobs and the reports referred to fixed term contracts which had come to a natural end.

The spokesperson stated: "In common with all health systems in Scotland, NHS Western Isles is continually evolving and adapting to find the best ways to meet the needs of patients and to deliver best value for the public. Reviews of functions at all levels in the organisation are a normal part of that process.

"In the immediate future, the structure within the Community Health and Social Care Partnership (which is part of the Board's Single Operating Division) is under review due to the recent retirement of a senior member of staff and other vacancies which have arisen.

"The new structure is being progressed in partnership with staffside and being discussed within the organisation."

She added: "Any job changes that are occurring in the foreseeable future are either as a result of natural turnover or the conclusion of fixed term contract appointments, which are both a natural part of how the NHS in Scotland operates.

"Fixed term contracts that are coming to an end are looked at individually and where possible may be absorbed through appropriate vacancies, or discontinued.

"The outcome at the end of a fixed term contract, however, can vary and some fixed term contracts do come to an end and are discontinued. Individuals are well aware at the beginning of a fixed term contract that it is for a fixed term only, sometimes for a time-limited project, and they take it up on that basis.

"NHS Western Isles distinguishes very clearly between jobs that come to a natural end (fixed term contracts) and jobs that come to an end as a result of disinvestment in services. There are no current plans for disinvestment."