Heart patient’s 19-month wait to be seen
A HEART patient yesterday revealed he has been given a 19-month waiting time to see a specialist.
Peter Randell, 78, who suffers from angina, has been told he cannot be seen by a heart consultant sooner because of staff shortages.
The grandfather, who lives on the Isle of Arran, had surgery for his condition earlier this year. But he will not be seen for his follow-up appointment until the end of next year.
The former RAF aircraft engine fitter said: ‘The NHS has always looked after me when I have fallen ill, and the treatment has been second to none. But this is an unacceptable waiting time.
‘I would like to think I am going to be here by then. But I do not think anyone should have to wait 19 months for an appointment.’
In April Mr Randell, whose condition causes chest pain, underwent surgery to have stents fitted in his heart, widening the narrow arteries. His surgery took place in the Golden Jubilee Hospital, Glasgow –Scotland’s national heart treatment centre – but his follow-up care is overseen by NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
The board cancelled a specialist appointment at Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock for September, rearranging it for next July. Unable to attend this as the late timing would mean him missing the return boat to Arran, Mr Randell was told he would not been seen until December 2017.
When he phoned to find out why the appointment was delayed he says he was told it was down to a lack of staff. Yesterday his case was raised at First Minister’s Questions by West of Scotland Conservative MSP Jamie Greene.
He said: ‘What does the First Minister have to say to patients who, like Mr Randell, have to wait up to 19 months to see a consultant?’
Nicola Sturgeon replied that she would be happy to look into the case. She said: ‘The Health Secretary will liaise with the Member once we have had the opportunity to do so. On the face of it, it is a completely unacceptable waiting time and one I would expect the health board to rectify.’