02 June 2006
Hospital waiting times in Scotland have fallen to the lowest level on record, Health Minister Andy Kerr has claimed. Figures published by the Scottish Executive show that on March 31, no patients in Scotland with a guarantee had waited more than six months for inpatient/day case treatment or for a first outpatient appointment.
The number of outpatients with a guarantee who waited more than 18 weeks to be seen was down by 69% over the past year. The number of inpatient/day cases waiting more than 18 weeks fell by 46%.
Kerr said the figures were the 'best ever' and added: 'We're on track to bring that down even further.'
However, the figures also showed that median waiting times are continuing to increase and are now at their longest since 1991.
The publication of the figures was overshadowed, too, by claims that NHS managers were putting pressure on consultants to postpone cancer surgery to meet other targets.
Clive Davies, chair of the British Medical Association's consultants committee in Scotland, said he knew of cases where managers had tried to postpone cancer surgery so wisdom teeth treatment could be undertaken.
Kerr said any such request was 'outrageous' and asked for more information about the allegations.
PFjun2006
