Is Angus facing postcode health lottery?

Sir, - I write with reference to your article about NHS Tayside confirming the ending of endoscopy procedures at Stracathro Hospital (October 26).

Given the fact that most, if not all, of NHS Tayside’s information leaflets ask patients to check which hospital they are being asked to attend, I am at a loss to understand how NHS Tayside can state “that only 10% of patients chose to go to Stracathro Hospital”.

Given the intention of NHS Tayside to continue to provide a urology endoscopy service at Stracathro Hospital two days a week, it would be in the public interest to know what percentage of patients elected to attend for this clinical investigation procedure at the Angus hospital.

Will patients referred and/or waiting to attend for gastroenterology endoscopy investigations be made aware that as a direct consequence of NHS Tayside’s decision to limit the provision of such procedures to Ninewells Hospital and Perth Royal Infirmary, that waiting times for this service will now increase?

Promises made in the not too distant past to ensure health services were delivered as close to the patient as possible now have a hollow ring. This is disappointing.

One cannot but wonder if we are seeing the start of a postcode lottery in respect of local healthcare provision. Ronald N Macdonald. 28 Church Street, Carnoustie.

Picture: Kris Miller. NHS Tayside is bringing in service changes at Stracathro Hospital.