Major concerns have been raised over the future of Perth Royal Infirmary following a Freedom of Information Request revealing the gradual downscaling of elective operations at the hospital.
In 2012 surgeons at PRI conducted on average 471 elective operations a month, this year it has reduced to just 347 per month.
Local residents have long held suspicions that NHS Tayside bosses are shifting capacity to Ninewells and other large hospitals in order to reduce costs.
These statistics will concern residents across Perthshire but particularly those in Highland Perthshire who are now less likely to receive an elective operation at PRI.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“This year I have heard from several constituents who were unable to get an operation at PRI and were instead treated at Ninewells despite this option being far from convenient.
“For residents in the far reaches of the NHS Tayside region, including those in Highland Perthshire, the prospect of travelling all the way to Dundee for an operation is unappealing, particularly for the elderly or those using public transport.
“I fundamentally believe that capacity must be retained at PRI and would call on NHS bosses and the SNP to explain these statistics and publically commit to the hospital’s long term future.
“It is vital that Perth and Kinross is served by at least one easily accessible large hospital and I will be fighting for that over the coming months.”