NHS Lothian bosses in waiting time row

Oct 27 2011 by Allan Valente, West Lothian Courier

NHS Lothian bosses have denied distorting waiting time figures in order to meet new government targets.

Some patients waiting for treatment in the care of the health board have been offered the alternative of having their surgical procedures in places like Northumberland and Harrogate in the north of England.

As of December, Scottish Government targets will aim to ensure that patients wait no longer than 18 weeks for treatment after being referred by their GP.

Patients who declined the new offer to have their procedure down south were kept on the waiting list for treatment, but no longer fell under the 18-week figures, allowing NHS Lothian to reach their target.

Scottish Labour’s health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie called upon health secretary Nicola Sturgeon to carry out an investigation into the matter, after details of the alternative procedures emerged at a meeting at St John’s hospital in Livingston.

The health board say that from April this year urology patients have been given the option of having their procedure carried out in Harrogate and some general surgery and vascular patients have had the opportunity of having their treatment in Northumberland. Around 30 patients a month have been offered these alternatives.

NHS Lothian chiefs have claimed that it is standard practice to handle procedures in this way.

Sandra Mair, deputy chief operating officer, NHS Lothian, said the health board had an excellent track record on delivering waiting time targets.

She added: “Like all health boards we have a duty to ensure patients have access to high quality and timely treatment and, in general, there is a balance between the demand for our services and capacity.

“However, to improve patient choice and provide faster access to treatment on occasions when demand is greater than capacity, we will look at providing elective procedures elsewhere within the NHS in Scotland or the north of England.

“NHS Lothian’s geographical position means that, in many cases, it is easier for patients to travel to England than to other locations in Scotland.

“This is a recognised and long standing practice across NHS Scotland and is only used in a small number of cases. We continually review our capacity to keep the numbers asked to consider treatment outwith Lothian to a minimum.

“Suitable patients are identified by clinicians and it is explained to them that dates for treatment are available elsewhere but they are welcome to make the choice to wait slightly longer, generally no more than two weeks, for their treatment within NHS Lothian. If they choose not to go elsewhere, they keep their place on the waiting list.

“I would like to reassure patients and the public that NHS Lothian fully comply with the guidelines set out by Scottish Government and that this process is about providing more choice and improved access to fast and effective care.”