People suffering as waiting times targets missed

Figures revealed in NHS data

Dozens of pain-stricken patients are waiting too long for treatment in Tayside, new figures show.

The health board missed a Scottish Government target to ensure the majority of those with chronic pain are seen within 18 weeks of referral.

Alex Cole-Hamilton, Lib Dem MSP, said the SNP was “failing chronically” on reducing waiting times.

Just 69.3% of Tayside patients were seen quickly enough by a pain clinic in the second quarter of 2017, according to NHS data published yesterday.

The national figure is 72.2% and Fife comes in at 92.7%.

The legal target demands than nine out of 10 patients referred for chronic pain treatment are seen within 18 weeks.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said waiting times had improved by 11.8% since the end of last year, adding: “Scotland is the only nation in the UK to routinely publish these waiting times data, which is a clear sign of this government’s commitment to making improvements for people living with chronic pain.

“Additionally, we have provided £185,000 in funding to support work at the University of Dundee, to develop better data on chronic pain which will inform further improvements in pain services.”

An NHS Tayside spokeswoman blamed extra demand and “unforeseen” staff vacancies. “Action has been taken to address this and the current ongoing waits for patients have reduced, with 91% of patients on the waiting list in June 2017 waiting between 0 and 18 weeks,” she added.

Alex Cole-Hamilton says the SNP is “failing chronically” on reducing waiting times.