Gordon Banks

Ochil & South Perthshire MP Gordon Banks has voiced his concerns at recent reports that Perth Royal Infirmary will no longer be accepting weekend surgical admissions with patients being transferred to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee instead.

Staff shortages are the apparent reason behind the move.

Mr Banks said – “I understand that health boards and other public services are facing budgetary pressures but this move does appear a cut too far.”

“When cuts directly impact upon patient care and safety then serious questions have to be asked.  My constituents in Crieff are already far enough away from Perth Royal, now they will be asked to travel another 30 minutes further to Dundee for emergency surgical treatment.  Those extra minutes could be the difference between life and death.”

“I’ve already had constituents raise serious concerns with regard to ambulance service cover in places such as Crieff – it’s unlikely this situation is going to improve if we’re asking our ambulance crews to make an additional one hour round trip to Dundee.”

“I’m already hearing rumours that more cuts are on the way and it would appear the stopping of emergency surgery on weekends is the tip of the iceberg for Perth.”

“I will be writing to NHS Tayside to find out the reasons behind this move.”