A Perhtshire MSP has said she is by “no means satisfied” following a meeting to discuss proposals from NHS Tayside to cut emergency surgery services at Perth Royal Infirmary.
Liz Smith, who represents Mid Scotland and Fife, told The Courier that she questioned the consultation process with health chiefs at the meeting at the hospital on Friday.
The Conservative politician met representatives from NHS Tayside and John Swinney, Perthshire North MSP, to discuss the controversial plans which could see emergency surgery provision cut on Thursdays at PRI to free up additional theatre time.
It is understood this may lead to hundreds of patients having to travel to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, if the move is given the green light.
The Courier originally brought the matter to light but NHS Tayside have strenuously rejected the notion that the controversial plans will proceed.
Following Friday’s meeting, NHS Tayside medical director Andrew Russell said he felt a “very constructive dialogue” had taken place at PRI.
He said: “I would say there is now a clearer understanding of our proposals, including assurances from local clinicians that there will be no impact on the acute medical receiving, accident emergency and diagnostics at PRI as a result of the test of change.
Dr Russell added that a commitment had been made to keep the MSPs and local councillors updated about the test and the patient data it measured.
Mr Swinney said he also thought the meeting in Perth went well, describing it as “positive”.
He said that a “number of reassurances” were given about the long-term services at PRI and the way in which services and activities can be planned.
Despite this optimistic outlook, Ms Smith said she will await further communication from NHS Tayside following the Perth meeting.
She added that she is “by no means satisfied” about the current proposals.
“There was a very frank exchange of views at the meeting,” she said.
“The politicians present all made it very clear indeed that we were deeply concerned about the opposing views between NHS Tayside and several very senior medics.”
She continued: “We questioned the consultation process and also the criteria on which the proposals to reduce the emergency surgery were based, particularly given the risks set out by Mr (Brian) Singer (chairman of the PRI medical staff committee) and his colleagues.
“We also asked whether, in light of the letter I had received from Alex Neil, Scottish health secretary, in which he said no final decision had been reached, we could be provided with a full briefing of the criteria that were being applied to make judgements about the future of the PRI, and if we could have a statement about why relations between the management and medical staff had encountered such difficulty.
“We are due to receive both in the coming weeks and I am sure the politicians will hold them to this. I can’t speak for the others, but we are by no means satisfied that the current proposals are in the best interests of patient care at PRI.”