Children's ward 'will not close'

Health bosses promise services will not be reduced at PRI

Parents have been reassured there will not be any reduction in children's services at Perth Royal Infirmary.

Locals and politicians feared the children's ward at PRI could be closed after health bosses admitted there were difficulties staffing the unit.

They said they were exploring a "range of options," which sparked concerns that a shutdown could be on the way.

However, NHS Tayside has now confirmed that paediatric care across Perthshire will not be cut.

'Reassure patients'

Gerry Marr, from the health board, said: "Contrary to recent reports, paediatric services will not be in any way diminished. The current GP rapid referral and assessment children's ward at PRI will continue.

"There are national difficulties in the recruitment of junior doctors into children's services. Due to this NHS Tayside will be looking to redesign children's services with a stronger consultant-led input into the children's ward at PRI.

"Doctors and managers have been developing these longer term plans over the past few weeks and, although they are not finalised, because of the recent unsubstantiated rumours and reports we felt compelled to reassure patients and the wider public in Perthshire of our continued commitment to children's services at PRI."