Waiting targets missed on 2,400 local patients

New figures have revealed that around 2,400 people have waited more than six weeks for a diagnostic test in the area covered by the health board that includes Paisley.

And in Scotland as a whole, statistics from the NHS’s Information Services Division Scotland revealed 13.3 per cent of patients waited longer than six weeks for a diagnostic test as of March 31, 2017.

In the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, which covers Renfrewshire, the figure is 11.6 per cent.

The Scottish Government introduced a six-week maximum waiting time for eight key diagnostic tests and investigations from March 31, 2009.

The statistics reflect the waiting times for all diagnostic services in Scotland, including those that affect cancer patients.

Gregor McNie, Cancer Research UK’s senior public affairs manager for Scotland, expressed his concerns about the figures.

He said: “It’s very worrying that people in Scotland are still waiting too long for tests.

“Quick access to tests is a vital part of diagnosing cancer early, and some of these people might have a symptom that could be cancer.

“Patients must be diagnosed and treated swiftly if they are to have the best chance of survival and so we need to see fast progress to ensure no-one is left waiting too long.

“These statistics are a clear indication that the NHS in Scotland is not coping with increased demand for diagnostic tests.

“Action is needed in Health Board areas that are struggling with lengthy waits. “This is an issue we can’t ignore. “Unless action is taken, more people in Scotland will be left waiting far too long to receive a diagnosis.

“This may lead to later diagnosis and increased anxiety at an already hugely distressing time.”

A NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde spokesman said: “NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde treats a significant number of patients every year with many of them requiring diagnostic tests to be carried out.

“Our performance for the four imaging tests – CT and MRI scans, barium studies and ultrasound – are above the national average, with no patients exceeding the six-week waiting target.

“However, due to the level of demand for scope tests – upper and lower endoscopy, colonoscopy and cystoscopy – our performance is not where we would wish it to be.

“We’re working hard to improve performance for our patients by increasing capacity as we look to reduce waiting times for scopes.”

Patients must be diagnosed swiftly if they are to have the best chance of survival