Consultation over surgery

Members of the public are being urged to have their say on the future of surgery at NHS Tayside.

A public consultation, which began on July 3 and closes on October 3, proposes making a number of changes to the way surgical services are delivered across Tayside - including moving all emergency surgery to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

Perth Royal Infirmary (PRI) temporarily stopped emergency surgeries last month due to a lack of staff.

As part of the consultation, a public event will be held on Thursday, September 21 from 5pm until 7pm at Perth and Kinross Council City Chambers at 2 High Street in the Fair City where there will be a presentation on the proposals.

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 option to be discussed at the consultation event 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 public event, 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: “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.”

Feedback can also be given online via www. nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk until Tuesday, October 3.