The councillor raised the issue following reports that some junior doctors work more than 58 hours a week.

“I was staggered to read recently that more than two thirds of health boards across Scotland are not complying with the new laws governing hours worked by junior doctors,” Mr Stewart said.

“I intend to seek clarification with regard to the situation at Perth Royal.”

Mr Stewart believes there may be some work to be done locally to ensure full compliance with the regulations.

“It is my understanding that NHS Tayside is 85% compliant and it is their hope they can progress that to 100%,” he said. “However, there is obviously still a gap which requires to be plugged.”

The councillor praised the work being done by junior doctors at Perth Royal Infirmary.

“There is no doubt junior doctors make an enormous contribution to our hospitals and thousands of patients benefit from their expertise,” he commented.

“However, the fact remains that some work more than 58 hours a week. That is a cause for concern and I will be seeking reassurances from Gerry Marr, the chief executive of NHS Tayside, on that.”

Mr Stewart called for more to be done to help those who find themselves working too hard.

“Action is required to assist these doctors in achieving their goals as practitioners within hospitals, but far too often it has been a matter of juggling the number of doctors within hospitals and difficult rotas,” he said.

“I congratulate our junior doctors for the work they do, as without them the NHS would be in a far worse situation.”