The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Health bosses defend shake-up to end emergency operations at PRI.
Change could see all unscheduled operations moved to Ninewells in Dundee
Health chiefs have defended controversial plans to end emergency operations at Perth Royal Infirmary.
NHS Tayside is considering a radical shake-up of surgical services, which could see all unscheduled operations moved to Ninewells in Dundee.
Around 30 people attended a public meeting in Perth last night to discuss the proposal and offer feedback.
The consultation comes as health bosses call a temporary halt to emergency surgery at PRI because of a nursing shortage.
Peter Stonebridge, associate medical director for surgery, said change was needed in the face of an ageing population and problems recruiting and retaining staff.
Stressing that PRI would continue to be used for elective – planned – surgery, Dr Stonebridge said the move would address ongoing delays in getting the sickest people to theatre in the quickest possible time. “At the moment, we don’t do that very well,” he said.
“The speed of treatment will offset the risks of travelling.”
He said: “It’s not about taking something away, but changing what it does.
“If we utilise all the theatres properly, we can treat more people.”
Addressing concerns that the change will put extra pressure on ambulance services, Dr Stonebridge said the current strain on ambulance crews mainly came from making secondary journeys, transferring patients from PRI to Ninewells.
The meeting heard NHS Tayside was discussing the move with the Scottish Ambulance Service.
There was also concern that the proposal was part of a general downturn of PRI.
Wilma Coleman, who worked at the hospital for more than 30 years, said: “My heart sank listening to this. It came across like PRI was inadequate in almost every possible way – no staffing, no doctors, no beds.
“Instead of reducing services, should we not be looking at improving and increasing services? Particularly when we’re faced with an ageing population.”
Feedback will be gathered at sessions in Abroath, Auchterarder, Crieff, Blairgowrie and Forfar next week.
The speed of treatment will offset the risks of travelling. ASSOCIATE MEDICAL DIRECTOR PETER STONEBRIDGE