PRI to play key role in reducing scan backlog
Additional scans and X-rays are being done at Perth Royal Infirmary (PRI) to reduce waiting times.
The health board told the PA its waiting list had built up due to the pandemic.
Patients are being offered appointments at weekends and evenings as the health board works its way through the backlog.
Additional capacity has been provided across NHS Tayside for X-rays, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans and ultrasound scans.
But the bulk of additional CT (computerised topography) scans for patients from all over NHS Tayside - including Angus and Dundee - will be done in Perth.
An additional mobile CT unit has been set up at PRI - doubling the number of appointments and including appointments on evenings and weekends.
The health board told the PA the mobile unit will be at PRI until at least March 31, 2022.
An NHS Tayside spokesperson said: “There is a requirement for additional MRI/CT/US scans across NHS Tayside, not just in Perth and Kinross.
“Additional capacity has been provided across the region, however, the majority of additional capacity for certain scans such as CT is within PRI.”
There will also be additional evening and weekend appointments offered for MRI scans.
Weekly X-ray clinics are being reinstated at Crieff and Blairgowrie community hospitals.
An NHS Tayside spokesperson said: “To reduce waiting times across the region, the radiology department at Perth Royal Infirmary is providing an extended range of services for outpatient scans and X-rays.
“These services will benefit patients from all areas of Tayside and will ensure that your imaging takes place as soon as possible.
“Please try to keep your appointment at PRI but if you cannot attend, please call us to cancel so that the appointment can be offered to someone else.
“The team can be contacted on 01738 473864 for CT and X-Ray and 01356 665092 for MRI Radiology services at PRI.”