Operation backlog concerns

A Tory MSP has called on the SNP to tackle a “ticking timebomb” of backlogged operations in NHS Forth Valley.

A total of 996 operations were carried out up to June last year - 687 more than the 309 carried out over the same period this year.

Mid-scotland & Fife MSP Alexander Stewart made the call after the latest figures from ISD Scotland showed the backlog of operations that have resulted due to the Covid-19 shutdown.

Across Scotland, almost 20,000 fewer operations were carried out in June this year than in 2019.

Mr Stewart called on the Health

Secretary Jeane Freeman to ensure sufficient funding and support was in place and to give a guarantee that the backlog would not mean waiting times targets being routinely missed.

Mr Stewart said: “Right now they are facing a ticking timebomb when it comes to targets for patients waiting to be seen.”

However, Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford (SNP) said most people understood that difficult decisions were taken at the start of the outbreak to prevent too many people leaving their homes, and to free up resources in case the health service became overwhelmed with coronavirus patients.

He added: “Yes, there will be challenges in tackling the backlog caused by the pandemic, however the phased approach has given health boards time to plan – and I’d like to thank everyone working in our health service for helping to get us to this point.”

An NHS Forth Valley spokesperson said: “The number of operations carried out is increasing every week as part of our local recovery plan which takes into account the need for physical distancing and enhanced infection control measures to protect the health of patients and staff.”