Weekend opening hours at a Strathearn Hospital will return for one day only as hundreds are expected to flock to the area.
The minor injury and illness unit at Crieff Community Hospital closed last month due to a staffing crisis which health bosses promised will be temporary.
But this week NHS Tayside said the service will be available between 9am and 6pm on Sunday, to coincide with Crieff Gathering, one of the most popular events in the Highland Games circuit.
Mid Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Liz Smith welcomed the service being available this Sunday but hopes a permanent solution can be found.
“I am pleased that NHS Tayside have taken the decision to open the unit this Sunday in what promises to be a busy day for Crieff with many visitors coming to the town for the Highland Games,” she said.
“However, it is disappointing that the unit still remains shut on weekends, save for special events like this Sunday.
“Ultimately, people in the region need a fully functioning minor injuries all year round not just on the odd occasion when NHS Tayside thinks demand will spike.”
The Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership, which announced the review, cannot say how long the weekend closures will be in place.
They have said the new operating hours are a direct result of recruitment challenges.
Last year, the same Crieff unit was shut for several weeks because of a lack of staff.
On Monday, the service will return to 9am until 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
People who need non-emergency treatment are asked to call NHS 24 on 111 to arrange an appointment on Sunday.
The statement from NHS Tayside said: “Crieff Community Hospital minor injuries and illness unit, which is currently closed over the weekend due to staffing issues, will re-open temporarily this Sunday to support the Crieff Highland Gathering.
“The unit will re-open between 9am and 6pm on Sunday August 19.
“During this time, members of the public should call NHS 24 on 111 to arrange an appointment.
“You can visit a minor injury and illness unit if you have a minor illness or injury that is not serious, such as an earache, a cut, a minor burn or sprain.”
