NHS Grampian patients offered appointments at other health boards to help reduce waiting lists
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
With waiting lists for treatment in north-east Scotland continuing to grow, NHS Grampian has outlined it is taking action to ensure individuals receive the care they need.
Following discussions with Scottish Government, other Scottish health boards, and some private providers, the number of appointments offered out with the region is expected to increase.
Paul Bachoo, medical director for NHS Grampian’s acute sector said: “Offering appointments out with the region is not a new thing, particularly where very specialist care is required.
“To reduce the number of people waiting – and to ensure they are seen in a timely manner – out of area appointments will increase as we work closely with colleagues across Scotland.
"Our preference is always to offer care as close to home as we can, but we cannot ignore the number of people waiting for treatment.
“Their procedures may be categorised as ‘routine’ or ‘elective’ but for these individuals – and their families and friends – their need for care is far from routine and ensuring prompt treatment is the most important thing.”
Health boards are being supported to set aside certain elements of Treatment Time Guarantee legislation and the definition of a “reasonable” offer of treatment will be widened to include an appointment anywhere in Scotland.
As with all out of area treatment, reasonable travel and accommodation expenses will be met by NHS Grampian.
Mr Bachoo added: “We are writing to everyone currently on a waiting list to let them know it is likely they will be offered an appointment out with Grampian.
“While they are not obliged to take up any offer made, declining an appointment may see their waiting time ‘clock’ reset to zero.
“We will continue to prioritise treatment based on severity of condition and we will continue to offer local appointments.”
Letters will be sent to patients who will possibly be affected by the changes from Friday, December 16.
Scottish Conservative north-east MSP and shadow public health minister Tess White said: “This kind of drastic action puts into perspective the growing crisis facing NHS Grampian this winter.
“It’s clear the system is broken and dedicated staff and worried patients are paying a heavy price for the SNP’s mismanagement of our north-east hospitals.
“While NHS Grampian is doing its best to reduce waiting times, patients and their families may face longer and more expensive journeys as well as extra stress at what may already be a difficult time.
“Tackling NHS Grampian’s huge treatment backlogs should have been the cornerstone of the Scottish Government’s Covid recovery strategy, but Humza Yousaf’s flimsy plan has only seen backlogs soar since the pandemic.
“While he continues to remain in post, he must start providing proper support to doctors and nurses to ensure patients receive the treatment they need as close to home as possibl
