McArthur seeks government action over “unacceptable” NHS delays

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has urged the Scottish Government to take urgent steps to tackle “unacceptable” delays in some NHS waiting times.

A recent freedom of information request has revealed that 139 patients in Orkney have waited more than 12 weeks for orthopaedic and trauma care, breaching the government’s own target.

“I have been contacted by a number of constituents affected by these delays in treatment,” said Mr McArthur.

“While the government’s target for an appointment with an orthopaedic consultant is twelve weeks, many Orkney patients have been waiting considerably longer. That is simply not good enough.”

Mr McArthur has written to the Health Secretary, Shona Robison MSP expressing concern about the impact these delays are having on treatment of isles patients. In response, the Health Secretary admitted there were significant capacity issues in NHS Grampian, meaning that Orkney patients were having to wait longer than would normally be expected.

Ms Robison went on to confirm that NHS Orkney would receive £240,000 and NHS Grampian £4.9 million as part of a national package aimed at reducing waiting time delays.

“The Health Secretary admits there is an obvious lack of capacity in this key area of NHS provision and the additional resources she refers to are welcome,” Mr McArthur continued.

“However, what patients in Orkney want to know is when will these gaps be filled so that we see an end to the sort of unacceptable delays being experienced at present. Patients and staff have a right to expect better. That is something I will continue to pursue with government ministers as well as the health boards in Orkney and Grampian over the coming months.”