Finnie praises NHS staff but says postcode lottery must stop

5.11.07pm GMT Wed 24th Mar 2010

Commenting on a report released today by Audit Scotland showing that waiting times have reduced in orthopaedic services, but NHS boards are going to face challenges in relation to the planned 18 week referral, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesman Ross Finnie said:

“Hard working NHS staff across Scotland must be praised for their efforts in driving waiting times down across Scotland in orthopaedic services, especially given that referral rates have risen by 12% in the last 10 years.

“However the Scottish Government must tackle the post code lottery that still exists given the variation in orthopaedic services across Scotland so all patients receive fair and punctual treatment.”