Patient’s 582-day wait for hip replacement op

A TAYSIDE patient was forced to wait 582 days for hip replacement surgery, it has been revealed.

It was the longest delay in the country last year for hip, knee and ankle operations, according to Scottish Government data.

The four longest waits in Scotland in 2016 were found at NHS Tayside – all in excess of 500 days.

The average wait in Tayside for orthopeadic treatment is 41% higher than the national figure.

Miles Briggs, for the Scottish Conservatives, who obtained the figures, 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.”

A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said long waits were rare and can relate to factors outwith its control.

“We would like to reassure patients that the current average elective surgery waiting time for orthopaedics is between 12 and 18 weeks and this is the case for the overwhelming majority of patients,” she said.

Health secretary Shona Robison said: “We have been clear with all health boards that patients who are waiting for treatment, such as elective surgery, are seen as quickly as possible.

“We are working with NHS boards to help build up their capacity and will announce further investment to improve performance in the near future.”

Supt Murdoch said victims of historical sex offences were now coming forward.