Scottish Conservatives have called for all services at the Minor Injury and Illness Unit (MIIU) of Blairgowrie Cottage Hospital to be fully reinstated.
Murdo Fraser MSP, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, wrote to Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) following concerns raised by constituents about the unit being closed and some patients being turned away for treatment.
Mr Fraser has received a reply from Gordon Paterson, of Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership, and while he says he recognises the reasons for the changes to medical services at the hospital unit, the Scottish Conservative politician is calling for these to be temporary and the full service to be reinstated once the current Covid crisis is over.
Commenting, Mr Fraser said: “Many local residents are concerned that Blairgowrie Cottage Hospital’s MIIU is closed. There was an incident in August where an elderly resident fell and cracked her head open but was turned away from the hospital.
“She had to go to Perth Royal Infirmary for treatment as the minor injuries unit at the Blairgowrie Cottage Hospital was closed.
“This isn’t good enough. I recognise the reasons behind the closure of the unit, which are due to Covid-19, but we need reassurance that the MIIU will be fully reinstated once this crisis is over.
“There are many residents who depend on the unit but don’t have access to transport - asking them to travel to Perth for medical treatment is not on.”
And Councillor Caroline Shiers, who represents the Blairgowrie and the Glens ward, added: “We all understand the challenges the health service is under and thank all the frontline staff for their dedication. Blairgowrie and Rattray is a growing community and the delivery of as many services at a local level for families, elderly and those without transport is important.”
Councillor Bob Brawn, who also represents the Blairgowrie and the Glens, commented: “No one is in any doubt about the difficulties and pressures that our health service professionals are under at present and no words can properly express our thanks for their dedication. However, Blairgowrie has a growing population, with many elderly residents and without easy access to transport, so it is vital that the Cottage Hospital services return as soon possible.”