A Perthshire MSP has labelled NHS Tayside waiting times unacceptable, after a Perth pensioner’s hip operation was delayed for four months.
Joseph Webster, 77, has been forced into using a walking stick after his hip operation at Perth Royal Infirmary, which was scheduled to take place in May, was delayed until this Wednesday.
His wife Helen has blasted the service he has received from NHS Tayside, after revealing he has not had any new blood tests or seen an anaesthetist since preparing for his original May 5 date.
The couple have also been told Joseph must call NHS Tayside on Wednesday at 6.30am to make sure there is a bed available for him to finally have the operation.
Helen said: “He was given an original date for surgery for May 5. That was a 12-week waiting list, which is seemingly the Government waiting time. This was cancelled until mid-July. It was again cancelled until October 19, which was 24 weeks from the original date.
“After several phone calls and a letter of complaint, we were given a new date for September 23, which is still 20 weeks from the original date.”
Mrs Webster received a letter claiming the delay had been due to an increase in acute medical admissions at NHS Tayside since January.
Helen added: “I feel they should not be telling patients that it’s a 12-week wait when they know about this backlog.
“In my opinion, if this is the backlog they’ve got, they’re never going to catch up and meet this 12-week target.
“My husband will not be the only one and there could be some old people who have nobody to stick up for them on their behalf. I feel if this is the way they’re treating people, it’s wrong.”
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith said: “The time Mr Webster has had to wait for his hip replacement operation is unacceptable.
“I feel the experience Mr and Mrs Webster have faced has fallen well short of what patients should expect and has negatively impacted on Mr Webster’s health.
“I have always sought to support my constituents in seeking treatment; however, these sorts of cases are becoming more and more common.”
NHS Tayside general manager for access Alan Pattinson stated the health service could not comment on individual cases due to patient confidentiality.
He said: “Currently we are experiencing high levels of demand across surgical services and we apologise for any delays this may cause some patients.
“We have scheduled additional theatre sessions until the end of the year, to enable us to see patients that are waiting as quickly as possible.”