The GP Out-of-Hours Service at Perth Royal Infirmary is unlikely to be reinstated in its previous form, NHS bosses have told an MSP.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser met senior executives from NHS Tayside on Friday, and raised concerns that the Out-of-Hours unit at PRI was no longer open overnight and at weekends due to staffing shortages, meaning patients having to travel to Dundee.
The MSP expressed concern about the increased pressure this would put on Accident and Emergency at PRI, and the Ambulance Service, and the loss of another element of vital health provision from Perthshire.
NHS Tayside advised that they are working on a new model of Out-of-Hours care which will be Dundee-based, and will mean that the Perth unit will close from 11.30pm on weekdays and throughout the weekend. A car-based GP service centred in Dundee is being developed to fill the gap.
Murdo Fraser commented:
“I am well aware of the substantial concerns both in the City of Perth and across the county, at the loss of the Out-of-Hours service at PRI overnight and at the weekends. As a Perth resident, and as the parent of young children, I know from personal experience just how important this local provision is.
“There is a concern that people from Perth now have to travel to Dundee at night or at the weekend for Out-of-Hours GP services. For those living north and west of Perth, this will involve many in substantial journeys.
“I have made it clear that I believe the existing service needs to be reinstated. Perthshire residents deserve better than this. They should not be treated as second-class citizens.
“From what NHS Tayside have told me, it appears that there are no plans to reinstate the Out-of-Hours provisions that existed previously, but replace it with a Dundee-based service with GPs in cars. While I understand the pressure that the Health Service is under with the shortage of GP volunteers to work at PRI overnight and at weekends, I am not convinced that this alternative model will meet the needs of Perthshire residents.
“It is not only with the Out-of-Hours service that we see a threat to Perth Royal Infirmary. It is now three years since emergency general surgery at Perth Royal Infirmary at weekends was ended. Now NHS Tayside are considering whether Monday to Friday emergency surgery should continue at PRI, or be transferred to Ninewells. This will only add to fears about the ongoing centralisation of services in Dundee to the detriment of Perth and Kinross.”