Calls for new Scottish heart disease strategy amid postcode lottery
A charity has called for a new heart disease strategy for Scotland, as figures reveal significant variation in test and treatment times.
British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland has accused the Scottish Government of years of underinvestment, as information obtained by the charity revealed inequalities in access to treatment and tests.
Heart and circulatory diseases cause about 50 deaths a day in Scotland – almost a third of all deaths – with one in eight of these at working age. An estimated 700,000 Scots are living with heart conditions.
Research suggests that people with underlying health conditions such as coronary heart disease are at increased risk of severe complications from coronavirus and an increased risk of death.
But according to BHF Scotland analysis, the Scottish Government is spending 81 times more per cancer diagnosis through its strategy and 62 times more on Type 2 diabetes.
The calls come as figures obtained through freedom of information requests reveal a postcode lottery in treatment and test waiting times across Scotland.
Figures obtained by BHF Scotland showed significant variation in treatment for heart and circulatory diseases. The information showed in some health board areas, almost one in four patients are having to wait more than six months for a test, while in other parts of the country the figure is less than one in 50.
BHF Scotland says disparity is amplified by the pandemic and is calling for a new heart disease strategy for Scotland to address under-investment. The charity has drafted a plan with more than 70 clinical professionals. One of three key priorities outlined is to ensure everyone has timely and equitable access to diagnosis, treatment and care.
David Mccolgan, senior policy and public affairs manager at BHF Scotland, said: “Heart disease is a major cause of ill health and death in Scotland and yet the Scottish Government’s plans to tackle heart disease haven’t been updated since 2014. Health inequalities also remain. Rates of heart and circulatory diseases in the most deprived areas of Scotland are significantly higher than those in the least deprived areas."
The Scottish Government was contacted for comment.