SNP ministers were warned the construction of a £35 million treatment centre in Perth could be delayed months before they told the public.
The pause on health-service infrastructure projects was announced in February, but documents obtained by Scottish Labour show officials warned in September 2023 that developments may have to be paused.
The new national treatment centre (NTC) at Perth Royal Infirmary fell victim to a NHS funding crisis alongside several other projects across Scotland.
The document from the directorate of the chief operating officer for NHS Scotland made the recommendation while warning the commitment to reduce waiting times year on year “would not be met”.
SNP accused of ‘broken promise’ over Perth treatment centre delay
There is no evidence to suggest ministers accepted the proposals at the time.
However, officials recommended again in November that the “immediate priority” be placed on addressing current waiting times, adding that capital funding was not available for the next stage of the NTC programme.
The delay to the new unit in Perth – designed to help tackle burgeoning surgical waiting lists – sparked accusations the SNP government had broken a promise made to voters in the Fair City.
It also prompted fears from NHS Tayside insiders that the future of PRI could be at risk as the health board looks to make significant cost savings.
Cuts so far have included the pioneering hospital at home service in Perth, saving £5.5 million a year.
The newly obtained files suggest the SNP government were aware of the criticism they would receive for U-turning on the projects.
The heavily redacted documents also show another official noting concern from the then first minister Humza Yousaf.
The note stated: “He has asked what is the status of the other NTCs outstanding, and how do we handle what will be (another) commitment we are seen to be rolling back from?”
As well as the NTC in Perth, progress on projects in Ayrshire and Arran, Grampian, Lanarkshire and Lothian was also paused.
Dame Jackie Baillie, health spokeswoman for Scottish Labour, said: “This correspondence shows that the SNP Government knew the future of its flagship network of national treatment centres was up in the air as early as September and spent months trying to find a way to save face.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “As we have said consistently, due to significant increases in construction costs due to inflation, and a lower than expected capital grant from the UK Government, a capital review is currently underway.
“We plan to publish a revised Scottish Government infrastructure investment pipeline alongside the 2025-26 budget.”
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