Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, is set to quiz the SNP Health Secretary, Jeane Freeman, on plans to shrink the NHS Tayside workforce by a tenth in the Scottish Parliament tomorrow.
Murdo has been selected to ask a question on future workforce planning at NHS Tayside at the weekly “Topical Question Time” in the Scottish Parliament.
Earlier this week, leaked official papers revealed that the embattled health board was “overcommitted” and would have to consider slashing up to 10% of its workforce.
The Scottish Conservative MSP, who is currently fighting to keep A&E at Perth Royal Infirmary open, has criticised the plans labelling them counterproductive in the wake of increasing patient demand and workforce pressures.
Commenting, Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“News that NHS Tayside is looking to cut up to 1,300 jobs has been met with anger and dismay across the region.
“Already the Minor Injuries Units in Pitlochry and Crieff have been closed temporarily due to staff shortages and it is hard to see how cutting jobs further will improve matters.
“NHS Tayside is one of Scotland’s worst performing health boards and there must be a real concern that cutting such a large number of roles will result in poorer patient care and longer waiting lists.
“The SNP Health Minister has been all too silent over the weekend and I look forward to asking her directly about these plans. Ultimately, Jeane Freeman must come equipped with answers as this is the least employees and patients deserve.”