Amidst Rising NHS Wait Times: John Swinney Calls for Patience and Progress
In a candid interview with BBC Scotland News, John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, addressed the pressing issue of NHS wait times, emphasizing that there is no ”shortcut” to providing faster diagnosis and treatment. He acknowledged the frustrations of patients, particularly citing the case of an eight-year-old girl awaiting surgery for a serious condition, who faces a staggering 19-month wait. The girl’s mother expressed concern over her daughter’s deteriorating health, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
Swinney assured the public that the Scottish government is actively working to enhance NHS capacities and is committed to increasing the number of operations. Despite the ongoing recovery from the Covid pandemic, the NHS grapples with significant waiting lists, affecting one in nine people in Scotland. Recent statistics reveal that a large percentage of the population, 69%, feels that NHS performance is declining, with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine linking over 800 deaths last year to extended emergency department waits.
In an attempt to combat these issues, Swinney pointed out that there have been record numbers of operations performed, particularly in areas such as hip and knee surgeries, which indicate that efforts to reduce wait times are being implemented. However, he stressed the importance of ensuring a smoother flow of patients into A&E departments for quicker assessments and discharges.
On the topic of potential strikes by hospital doctors, Swinney expressed a desire to avoid industrial actions and stated that the Scottish government intends to engage constructively with the British Medical Association (BMA) to find resolutions. Furthermore, he touched upon the immigration debate, arguing for a more positive approach to growing Scotland’s working-age population. He urged a rational discussion on migration, recognizing the workforce shortage encountered by businesses across various sectors and reaffirming Scotland’s identity as a welcoming and inclusive country.