Have a say on NHS plans for surgery move

Feedback wanted on future of ops

Members of the public will be able to attend a number of drop-in events next week to discuss the future of surgery at NHS Tayside.

The public consultation, which began on July 3, proposes making a number of changes to the way surgical services are delivered across Tayside, which includes moving all emergency surgery to Ninewells.

This comes after Perth Royal Infirmary temporarily stopped emergency surgeries last month due to a lack of staff.

The events will be held on Monday, September 18 from 3pm until 5pm, and again from 5.30pm until 7pm at Pitlochry Town Hall, and will include a presentation to the public.

This is followed by a further event on Thursday, September 21 from 5pm until 7pm at Perth and Kinross Council City Chambers at 2 High Street, and again will include a presentation.

A spokesperson for NHS Tayside said: “Like all health boards in Scotland, NHS Tayside is facing significant challenges including caring for an ageing population, an increasing number of people with long-term and multiple conditions, a shortage of some groups of health staff and growing demand for services.

“For these reasons, NHS Tayside cannot keep delivering health services the way they have always delivered them. Services throughout NHS Tayside need to adapt to ensure they meet the current and future needs of the population.”

The preferred option to be discussed at the consultation events would see all unscheduled surgery moved to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, with PRI and Stracathro Hospital in Angus increasing the amount of elective surgeries instead.

During the two public dropin events next week, views will be gathered from service users, carers, staff and members of the public on the different options.

Professor Peter Stonebridge, NHS Tayside’s associate medical director for surgery, said: “People across Tayside have already given us valuable feedback and we hope that people will continue to share their views on the proposed future model for surgical services in Tayside by coming along to the public engagement events.”

The consultation, which includes gathering feedback online via www. nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk, will run until Tuesday, October 3.

We hope people will continue to share their views