A petition to stop the downgrading of accident and emergency services at Perth Royal Infirmary has reached nearly 3,000 signatures according to Perthshire Conservative politicians Murdo Fraser MSP and Liz Smith MSP.
The petition was launched following proposals to move all emergency operations from Perth Royal Infirmary to Ninewells in Dundee.
The move has been met by anger locally with around 160 people turning up to a public meeting in Auchterarder to grill NHS Tayside officials on the issue.
The “Hands off PRI…for good” petition follows previous campaigns from the Scottish Conservatives to maintain healthcare services at PRI.
Commenting, Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“To have close to 3,000 signatures already is a fantastic effort and underlines the tremendous support this campaign has within the local area.
“We have been promoting the campaign online and I have received hundreds of messages from concerned residents who fear that this move will leave them vulnerable in the event of an emergency.
“All health boards are facing financial and staffing pressures but it is important that we send a message to those in charge that we don’t want the slow centralisation of services in Tayside.”
Commenting, Liz Smith MSP said:
“I am delighted that this petition has captured the public’s imagination and attracted so much support.
“Patients across the region are rightfully concerned that the reorganisation of surgical services will result in weaker emergency healthcare. It is now up to the Scottish Government to answer these questions and this petition is just one way we can pressure them to do so.
“I hope that the petition continues to attract signatures as it is important to maintain public pressure on healthcare bosses who are charged with ensuring everyone has access to fast and safe emergency medicine.”