Crisis hit Pitlochry injury unit facing more weekend closures

The minor injuries unit at Pitlochry Community Hospital will be closed every weekend in November as its staffing crisis continues.

From today, the wing will be open between 9am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, but closed on Saturdays and Sundays. It is normally open between 9am and 9pm.

Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership chief officer Robert Packham said: “We would like to apologise for any disruption this may cause.

“We will continue to monitor the staffing situation at the unit.

“It is essential that we provide a service with appropriately skilled staff which is safe for patients and staff.

“Due to staffing difficulties, we have had to make the decision to restrict the opening of the unit for a temporary period.”

Last week The Courier reported that one of two senior nurse vacancies in the minor injury and illness unit (MIIU) had been filled, but the other had been readvertised due to a lack of suitable applicants.

There is also an empty post for a nurse in the GP department at the hospital.

The staffing crisis forced NHS Tayside to close the minor injuries unit for three days in September and run it on reduced opening hours throughout October.

People requiring nonemergency medical care when the unit is closed are advised to contact their GP during opening hours, or call NHS 24 on 111 for out-of-hours services.

Patients can check if the unit is open by calling Pitlochry Community Hospital on 01796 472052, Monday to Fridays, or NHS 24 at the weekends.

Pharmacists can also give health advice.