Borders residents challenged a government minister over the SNP’s handling of local NHS services at a public meeting on Monday.
At the public forum at the Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels, local people raised concerns about the highest waiting times in Scotland for endometriosis patients and extremely long waits for treatments including hip replacements, cataract and orthopaedic surgery.
SNP minister for public health, Jenni Minto, was put under pressure over the “crisis” in Scotland’s NHS including systemic issues such as staff recruitment and delayed discharges. She was accompanied by Caroline Lamb, chief executive of NHS Scotland.
Scottish Borders MSP Rachael Hamilton was in attendance to listen to constituents and scrutinise SNP plans for the health service.
Scottish Borders MSP, Rachael Hamilton, said: “It’s worrying for local people that they are facing lengthy waiting times, some of the worst in Scotland, for essential treatment.
“For years, the SNP have failed to recruit enough NHS staff for the Borders. They don’t seem to be focused on the key healthcare issues in towns, villages, and rural communities.
“Hospitals and frontline services have been at full capacity for most of the year. Local people are rightly asking if it’s already in crisis over the summer, how much worse could it get in winter?
“NHS staff and patients deserve a proper recovery plan from the SNP Government aimed at reducing waiting times for essential treatment.”
ENDS
