Joanne said being seen locally was “100% better” because she could take someone with her.
“We deserve to have good healthcare in Shetland”, she added.
Gary Robinson said the health board had reduced air miles by 39 per cent: “We’ve managed to provide better services for islanders.”
Calls for a new hospital gained momentum during the Holyrood election campaign earlier this year.
Shetland’s new SNP MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad, the Scottish government’s public finance minister, said there was no doubt of the need for a new hospital.
She said: “The community wants to see infrastructure that is fit for purpose.”
Goodlad said there was “cross party desire” to replace the Gilbert Bain.
However, the minister stressed it was a question of “how and when” given capital funding constraints.