The stalwart nationalist was visiting Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh (Uist and Barra Hospital) in Benbecula this morning in her role as Health Minister, before touring some of Uist's surgeries and heading to Barra to see St Brendan's Hospital.
When asked by the 'Gazette' whether she had any sympathy for Wendy Alexander, Ms Sturgeon admitted a bit of concern - but followed up with a tough love approach.
"Politicians do have a kind of fellow feeling; I do sympathise with her, of course I do, but politics is a rough trade. I don't want to reprise the issues – she took a decision, and that's right for her," said Ms Sturgeon.
"I think Labour is in a dire state as a party, and has lost any sense of purpose. It seems to spend more time whinging than putting out any proposals."
Ms Sturgeon confirmed her view that whoever throws his or her hat into Labour's leadership ring will have a challenging time ahead. Asked to make a prediction on who the new leader might be, however, she chose to keep her thoughts to herself.
"Even if I was going to offer them advice, I don't think they would listen," she said. "Labour's probably got much deeper concerns than its leadership issues at the moment."
To read more about ms Sturgeon's views on the Western Isles' health issues, see this week's Stornoway Gazette - out on Thursday July 3.