Plans to build £35m centre of excellence at Perth Royal

AMBITIOUS plans for a £35 million “centre of excellence” for planned operations at Perth Royal Infirmary have been announced.

The Scottish Government-funded Tayside Elective Care Centre is likely to offer procedures such as breast surgery, gynaecology, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, urology, dermatology and ear, nose and throat treatments.

An outline business case is being prepared for the new-build facility which will include theatres, treatment rooms and pre and post-surgery beds. A unit for people who require a short stay after procedures is also planned.

The proposal has been shaped by healthcare planners and surgical teams in virtual workshops.

If all goes to plan, work could begin next year and the first patients could arrive in late 2024.

The Scottish Government has pledged funding as part of a nationwide investment plan.

NHS Tayside chief executive Grant Archibald said: “The planned centre would allow us to carry out hundreds of additional routine operations every year.”

Consultant anaesthetist and clinical director for the elective care centre Dr Michael Forster added: “This is such an exciting development because it has the ability to transform the ways in which our patients receive elective care. The model is being developed by clinicians and other healthcare professionals, patients and members of the public.”

Lorna Wiggins, chief operating officer at NHS Tayside, said it was an opportunity to create capacity over the next 15 to 20 years for elective procedures.

“Complex surgery will be done at Ninewells, PRI will do intermediate and low-risk, and Strathcathro will do low-risk and regional work with NHS Grampian,” she said.

Councillor Eric Drysdale, a non-executive member of the NHS Tayside board, said: “I am delighted to see the careful planning that is going on to make best use of the hospital site.”

Deputy First Minister John Swinney described the announcement as “hugely positive news”, and said it was “further evidence of the Scottish Government’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible healthcare.”

The announcement comes after MSP for MidScotland and Fife Liz Smith launched a campaign in 2018 against what she saw as a “downgrading” of A&E services in Perth.

She said the elective centre announcement was “very welcome news”.