St Kilda School Boys c.1905

When the weather was poor delays would be inevitable especially if the doctor was attempting to reach an island. <br /> <br /> The islands presented their own problems in respect of isolation, economic difficulties and distance from trained medical personnel; nowhere more so than St. Kilda.<br /> <br /> <br /> <i>This image is part of an online exhibition marking the centenary of The Highlands and Islands Medical Services Committee, commonly referred to as the Dewar Committee after its chairman, Sir John Dewar MP. The Committee's report paved the way for the first state provided health service in the world, the Highlands and Islands Medical Service, which revolutionised medical provision and is considered to be the precursor to the National Health Service. Click <a href=http://www.ambaile.org.uk/en/set/show_content_page.html?category=3&set=29&qw= >here</a> to go to the start of the exhibition.</i>