Ministers have pledged to investigate the provision of chronic pain clinics in Moray amid “growing frustration” over the service.
Local MSP Richard Lochhead secured a commitment from Health Secretary Shona Robison yesterday after concerns were raised about patients having to wait 40 weeks for treatment.
North-east MSP Mike Rumbles also expressed alarm about “shocking figures” across the region, urging Ms Robison to undo the “damage the (NHS Grampian) funding disparity is causing to people’s lives”.
Speaking in Holyrood yesterday, Mr Lochhead said: “Can I draw the cabinet secretary’s attention to the growing frustration being expressed by the campaign group Affa Sair in terms of the long waiting times for pain clinics, particularly in Moray given that people don’t want to travel to Aberdeen all the time for treatment.
“Can she investigate this and perhaps provide an update both to myself and the campaign group Affa Sair?”
Ms Robison said: “I’m happy to do that and get back to the member.
“I can assure you that the government is very much committed to ensuring that all patients no matter where they live have swift access to the full range of services they need.
“I’m aware that waiting times are longer than we would expect in NHS Grampian. They have had staff absences in the last year that has affected this area.
“I know there’s been recent recruitment that has been successful and has enabled additional clinics to be offered.
“In terms of the pain clinics in Moray, I’m happy to look into that and get back to him.”