A key NHS waiting time standard for treatments like physiotherapy and podiatry has been missed by a huge margin, new figures highlighted by local MSP Jackie Baillie has revealed.

The expected standard is that 90% of patients referred for a clinical out-patient appointment for musculoskeletal services should have their first appointment within 4 weeks. This includes treatments such as:

·         Physiotherapy
·         Occupational Therapy
·         Chiropody
·         Podiatry
·         Orthotics 

New figures published by NHS Scotland show that, out of 24,085 patients seen for treatment in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, nearly 10,000 had to wait more than 4 weeks. That means more than 40% of patients in the health board covering West Dunbartonshire are not receiving treatment within the waiting time standard.
 
The waiting times for patients in Helensburgh and Lomond are unknown because NHS Highland has not published the figures.
 
Jackie said the figures show the continuing strain on our NHS and has called for more investment in social care to take pressure off health service budgets.

Jackie said:
 
“Over 40% of local patients seen for these treatments are waiting longer than the expected standard and that is despite the considerable effort of our hardworking NHS staff. These delays are a brutal assessment of the SNP’s running of our NHS.

“Waiting longer for vital treatment like physiotherapy can set back recovery for patients or worsen their condition making it all the more likely they will end up having to go to hospitals and A&E wards that are already under pressure.
 
“The SNP Government can spin out figures about record resources but vital NHS targets are being missed and patients are being forced to wait longer for treatment.”<