MSPs raise concerns about future of services at PRI due to impact of 'brutal' Scottish Budget

Liz Smith MSP

Scottish Conservative MSPs Liz Smith and Murdo Fraser have expressed their concern for the future of services at Perth Royal Infirmary (PRI) due to the impact of the “brutal” Scottish Budget.

The politicians say they “fear” the hospital may lose some vital services as health bosses at NHS Tayside acknowledge cuts to the overall health budget from the SNP Government. Stage 3 of the Scottish Budget was discussed earlier this week, with it being approved despite concerns from the Scottish Conservatives.

It is understood that NHS Tayside may have to make savings of between £60 and £80 million next year now that the Budget has been approved by the Scottish Parliament.

Commenting, Liz Smith MSP, who is the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, said: “It is very concerning to think what may happen to PRI due to the impact of this brutal budget, which does absolutely nothing to help our ailing health service. A ‘senior source’ at NHS Tayside was quoted in The Courier newspaper saying the cuts to the health budget may lead to NHS Tayside having to look at the future of PRI, which is extremely alarming.

“We have seen the downgrading of PRI through the years, and just last week it was announced that the planned £35 million elective surgery department set to be built at the PRI has been put on hold by the SNP Government due to financial constraints. I fear that the hospital could well lose some vital services due to the impact of the Scottish Budget.

“PRI plays such a key role in providing healthcare to residents across Perth and Kinross, so it is essential that we try to ensure it keeps as many of its services as possible.”

And Murdo Fraser MSP, the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Business, Economic Growth and Tourism, added: “I was extremely concerned to read the article in The Courier where it was reported that Budget cuts could leave the future of PRI at risk. This is shocking news, and if it is true rest assured that the Scottish Conservatives will fight this all the way.

“We’ve already seen the loss of some services at the hospital and with NHS waiting lists already being under pressure, any more funding cuts to health boards will be the last straw for PRI.

“Perth and Kinross has seen its population increase recently due to house building and it is forecast to increase even more, so it is imperative that we have a secure future for PRI.”  

 

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Murdo Fraser MSP

Murdo Fraser

Murdo Fraser was born in Inverness and studied law at Aberdeen University before practicing as a solicitor in Edinburgh. In the 1999 Scottish Parliament Election, Murdo stood as the Conservative candidate for North Tayside, and fought the constituency again at the 2001 General Election. He became a Member of the Scottish Parliament in August 2001 following the resignation of the previous List Member for Mid-Scotland and Fife, and was re-elected in 2003, 2007, 2011, 2016 and 2021. Murdo was Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives from November 2005 to November 2011 and has served as spokesman on Education, Health, Economy and Finance. Murdo was delighted to be re-elected in 2021 and is now Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Business, Economic Growth and Tourism. 
Liz Smith

Liz Smith

Liz Smith was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2007 and was re-elected in 2011, 2016 and in 2021. She is one of four Conservative Regional Members for Mid Scotland and Fife. Following her long-serving role as Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, she became Chief Whip in February 2020. Following the 2021 election, Liz took over the role of Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy, now serving as Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Public Administration, and chairs two cross party committees: those on Colleges and Universities, and Sport.