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 ops moved to Ninewells in Dundee.
Around 30 people attended a public meeting in Perth on Thursday 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 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: “Its 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, Professor 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.”
Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Mark Ruskell believes the move could place an undue burden on patients – as well as their families and carers – if they are required to travel from Perthshire to Dundee for emergency surgery.
Mr Ruskell added that the ambulance service would need additional resources to cover the extra distances.
He said: “It seems that little consideration has been given to patients, families and carers who would be expected to travel this extra distance to Dundee, while there is uncertainty over the additional burden this move may place on the ambulance service.”
Mr Ruskell said the intermim removal of emergency ops at PRI suggested NHS Tayside had already made up its mind – a claim which the health board has strongly refuted.
More than 60 people have also attended consultation events in Stracathro and Pitlochry.
Further events include a drop-in session at Ninewells Hospital, on Tuesday, September 26, from 2-4pm.
Arlene Wood, NHS Tayside general manager for surgery, said: “We have already received valuable feedback from people across Tayside. 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 will be gathered at sessions in Abroath, Auchterarder, Crieff, Blairgowrie and Forfar next week.
