NHS Tayside have announced a public meeting to discuss the future of Blairgowrie Community Hospital after receiving a 2000-strong petition.
Led by retired GP Dr Jessie Shaw, residents had expressed concern they had not been consulted before changes were made to the GP wing of the hospital.
More than 2000 people signed the petition in just three weeks to pressure the health board to open up debate on the topic.
Dr Shaw and members of Friends of Blairgowrie Cottage Hospital presented it to chief executive of NHS Tayside, Gerry Marr, and general manager of Perth and Kinross Community Health Partnership, Bill Nicol.
Mr Marr announced no further action will be taken until the community consultation event, which will take place at Blairgowrie High School at 7pm on May 10.
The meeting is expected to take on a Question Time approach to ensure all issues are addressed.
A feasibility study for the GP wing will be displayed in a number of venues across the town prior to the meeting.DelightedDr Shaw said, “We are delighted that action is being taken and would like to thank all who signed the petition. Anyone interested in finding out more about the hospital’s future or making their views known should come along to the meeting.”
NHS Tayside said the impending election made the timing of the meeting difficult-the health board cannot enter into a public debate until after May 5.
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser expressed his frustration at the length of time people were being forced to wait.
“This means people will be left in the dark about the future of the hospital for the next three months,” he said. “There is nothing to stop the health board being more straight-up and be more transparent now.
“Blairgowrie Community Hospital is an excellent facility that has a superb and caring workforce. It is imperative that we do not see any dilution of health services in Blairgowrie.”
An NHS spokesperson said, “We will continue to explore plans for the future use of Blairgowrie Community Hospital and these will be shared with the public.”
Labour MSP Dr Richard Simpson warned the proposed changes could result in the closure of one 20-bed ward, adding, “This is the second time that I have been asked to support local constituents in Tayside about community hospital changes.
“Last year, despite calls by myself and other politicians for early and effective engagement, some Angus GPs felt forced to formally withdraw co-operation with Tayside Health Board.”