I had a very constructive meeting today with Gerry Marr, Chief Operating Officer at NHS Tayside and Arlene Wood, Clinical Service Manager.I have received the following assurances :
* Any proposed changes will not be based on financial matters but on improving patient care.
* The rationale is to ensure that those elderly people who require rapid acute assessment do not have numerous trips by ambulance from Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) and Ninewells.
* Patients who require rehabilitation will still receive this at RVH - at wards 4, 5, 7, and 8.
* Gerry Marr is willing to meet constituents and community groups to discuss any concerns.