New figures reveal 500-day waits for range of treatments

26 May 2017

New official statistics have revealed patients were left waiting for more than 500 days for various treatments across Scotland’s NHS last year.

People awaiting procedures for a range of problems – including hip replacements, knee replacements and foot and ankle surgery – were on lists for up to 582 days in 2016.

The Scottish Conservatives said the revelations exposed the crisis at the heart of the NHS, with hospitals struggling to deal with challenges brought by an ageing population.

The ISD Scotland figures – obtained by the party through Freedom of Information – showed the longest waits clocked in 2016 across hip, knee and ankle procedures.

Someone requiring a primary hip replacement had to wait 582 days; a primary knee replacement 520 days; and osteotomy surgery 578 days.

The Scottish Government has been warned for years about the impact an increasing and ageing population would have on the NHS.

Public health spokesman Miles Briggs said these latest statistics proved those warnings had been ignored.

Scottish Conservative public health spokesman Miles Briggs said:

“It’s utterly unacceptable that someone should have to wait more than 500 days for this kind of procedure.

“These are operations which can be life-changing, particularly for older patients, and having to wait the best part of two years is precious time wasted.

“The SNP has been told over the last decade just how pressing an issue an ageing population is for the NHS.

“But these warnings have not been heeded, and it’s vulnerable and elderly patients who are paying the price.

“Health is under the complete control of ministers at Holyrood, and they are the ones who must take full responsibility for these failings.”

To see the full statistics, including a geographical breakdown, visit:
http://www.scottishconservatives.com/lengthy-waits/