South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle is challenging the SNP to tackle NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s massive backlog of patients waiting for chronic pain treatment.
According to the latest figures, NHS Ayrshire & Arran has some of the worst figures in Scotland for patients waiting longer than 18 weeks for their first appointment with the chronic pain service. Over 86% of patients in Ayrshire have to wait longer than the 18-week target. The next worst performing board is Greater Glasgow & Clyde, with 63.5% waiting more than 18 weeks.
These figures compare with 79.6% of patients waiting more than 18 weeks in June this year and 15.8% in September last year.
Scottish Conservative Brian, who is the Convenor of Holyrood’s Cross Party Group on Arthritis and Musculoskeletal conditions, is urging the Scottish Government to act now and give NHS Ayrshire & Arran the support it needs to clear the backlog
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“This is a hugely disappointing set of figures. We all recognise that Covid-19 has affected NHS services but that’s no comfort to the almost 500 patients across Ayrshire suffering from chronic pain and waiting months for a first appointment.
The SNP have had a lot to say about restarting NHS services but they need to turn that talk into action.
They must make sure health boards have the support and resources they need to prevent hundreds of people suffering further unnecessary pain.”
