Adding to NHS Tayside’s financial woes

Sir, – Nobody who reads The Courier or watches Scottish TV news could claim not to be aware of the dire financial situation in which NHS Tayside finds itself.

But what many people won’t realise is the steps health authorities have had to take in order to satisfy government requirements with regard to surgery waiting lists and the cost of these steps.

Many people, including myself, find themselves having to attend pre-operative assessments and the resulting surgery in Clydebank.

Not only are patients from Tayside and Fife affected, but from many other areas.

The additional costs incurred in attempting to satisfy the requirements, includes the costs incurred in travelling to Clydebank, either as a mileage allowance or by public transport, and the cost of staying in a hotel for those with an admission time of 7.30am, though food is to the patients’ cost.

With the numbers involved – I know of four personally in my area alone – there is little wonder the Tayside Health Board have far from minuscule additional costs, due to the number of patients far exceeding the present resources and capabilities of Ninewells Hospital.

I would ask, therefore, who is culpable?

I would suggest not just the health board.

Perhaps Shona Robison might just have a look at the admissions and accounts books, and in the mirror, and suggest a way out of this dilemma, even though blame can be apportioned in many places!

Geoff Bray. Heather Croft, Letham, Angus.

The number of patients exceeding resources and capabilities contributes significantly to the dire financial situation NHS Tayside finds itself in, a correspondent argues.