Health fears as patients wait MONTHS for letters to be typed by under-pressure NHS
PATIENTS could die because of delays of up to two months in typing up consultants’ letters, an MSP has claimed.
Lib Dem health spokesman Alex Cole-Hamilton has highlighted the case of a woman constituent who received a letter from NHS Lothian dictated in October but only typed up in December.
He said the two-month delay could make a huge difference if her suspected mouth cancer is confirmed.
In Fife, a 47-year-old man who attempted suicide in November is still waiting for a letter to be sent to his GP telling him what medication, counselling and respite care he requires.
The man, who has AIDS and is bedridden because of a back problem, is becoming increasingly depressed.
Cole-Hamilton said he was contacted by the woman for help and when he tweeted about her case, he was contacted by the second patient.
Neither patient wants to be named.
The male patient was told his letter was being dictated “that day” when he contacted the hospital in December but has still heard nothing.
Cole-Hamilton said: “A simple action like typing up a letter is delaying treatment and could be costing lives as well. I don’t for a moment blame our hardworking NHS admin staff. I just think there are not enough of them.”
And he said with modern technology available, he finds it incredible staff are still having to dictate and type letters.
He said: “This case involves a lovely woman who doesn’t want to cause any trouble because she feels it might prevent her from getting treatment.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “It is for boards to ensure they have the right mix of staff, including admin staff.”
NHS Lothian finance director Susan Goldsmith said: “This incident is very unusual and unexplained. I apologise to the patient and I would be grateful if they could get in touch.”