Health chiefs have launched a review of orthopeadic services across Tayside.
The move, which went out to consultation on Monday, could see all emergency orthopeadic “surgical trauma” operations carried out at Ninewells.
NHS Tayside propose creating centres of excellence for planned surgeries at Perth Royal Infirmary, and will continue at Stracathro Hospital.
It is hoped the move will lead to about 400 more operations a year, plus a reduction in waiting times.
“The population is living longer and over the next 20 years, there will be an increase in the number of older people in Tayside,” a spokeswoman said. “This means there is continuing higher demand for unplanned trauma and planned orthopeadic services across the region.
“For these reasons, NHS Tayside cannot keep delivering health services the way they have always delivered them. Services throughout NHS Tayside need to adapt to ensure they meet the current and future needs of the population.”
Unplanned operations are carried out at Ninewells and PRI at present.
A series of events to gauge feedback from residents will be held over the coming weeks in Arbroath, Auchterarder, Blairgowrie, Crieff, Dundee, Perth and Pitlochry.
Launching the three-month consultation, consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon Sankar Sripada said: “Patient safety and high quality care are our top priorities.
“The proposed redesign of orthopaedic services will ensure the long-term sustainability of orthopaedic services in Tayside and improve the quality of care and enhance patient safety.”
