Waiting times must remain a focus

THERE is a reason why political parties of every hue make promises about waiting times in the NHS. They know that it’s an issue that, at some point, is likely to affect almost all of us.

One of the most pernicious aspects of suspected ill health is the anxiety caused by waiting for tests. Many of us will know someone who has been through the most unbearable stress while waiting for a medical appointment.

Targets set by politicians are not always all they are cracked up to be. Sometimes – such as in the case of smaller class sizes, for example – the promise is made because it sounds good rather than because there’s much evidence it actually does good.

But efforts to reduce NHS waiting times are important and should remain a priority.

This self-evident truth has collided with a report by Audit Scotland. Having examined the NHS, the public spending watchdog says that the continuing drive to cut waiting times may have to be reconsidered.

Audit Scotland says that soaring healthcare costs caused by an ageing population and the increasing cost of drugs could make it difficult to maintain a focus on cutting NHS waiting times.

The report’s authors point out that a number of key waiting time targets were missed last year.

Undoubtedly, there are pressures ahead for the Scottish NHS but the commitment to cut waiting times should not be the first victim in a round of “efficiencies”.

Swift treatment doesn’t only improve the chances of physical recovery, it also eases the mental anguish of those coming to terms with serious illness.