‘Too many waiting too long’, admits Freeman

Too many Scots are still waiting too long in “pain and discomfort” for treatment on the NHS, health secretary Jeane Freeman has said. The admission came as she unveiled the latest tranche of her waiting times guarantee cash – up to £70 million – which will be targeted at carrying out more hip and knee replacements.

The SNP introduced a legally binding 12-week waiting time guarantee for treatment seven years ago, but it has been breached more than 170,000 times, prompting condemnation from political opponents.

Speaking at the SNP conference yesterday, Ms Freeman insisted 1.7 million people have had inpatient treatment within the 12-week target.

But she added: “There are still too many people waiting too long for the treatment they need. The challenge to meet this demand isn’t faced across the UK, but in England, they look like they are simply abandoning their targets … I have no intention of abandoning those who are waiting too long, in pain and discomfort for the treatment they need.”

She added: “This year I will be targeting £70m of additional investment to carry out more procedures – hip and knee replacements, cataract treatments, an increase in the number of outpatient and diagnostic appointments – and the next steps for our five new elective and diagnostic centres.”

Labour’ s health spokeswomanmonica lennon said :“j ea ne Freeman is admitting what we have known for a number of years – thousands of patients are waiting too long.”