The percentage of Borders patients waiting longer than 6 weeks for the diagnostic radiology tests has increased to a new high, according to the latest figures from December 2018.
Back in December 2017, only 15% were waiting longer than the Scottish Government’s 6-week standard waiting time.
Fast forward to December 2018, the percentage increased to almost 40% of patients waiting longer than 6 weeks (39.1%). This represents 255 out of 653 patients waiting longer than the standard.
Radiology diagnostic tests include MRI scans, CT scans, non-obstetric ultrasound scans and barium studies.
Ms Hamilton has raised staff shortages and the need to improve waiting times in Holyrood, by calling on the Scottish Government to take further action to recruit more specialist staff.
Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton said:
“Health is a fully devolved area. NHS Borders deserves better and the doctors and staff work incredibly hard day in day out to ensure we have the best health service we can.
“I continue to raise the issue of a shortage of specialist staff and doctors in the NHS, and I am disappointed back the lack of action taken by the SNP in Holyrood.
“The rise in patients waiting over 6 weeks for a radiology test is unacceptable and deeply concerning for my constituents.
“The SNP Government have been repeatedly warned about the shortage of radiologists, and it's time they took serious action to stop waiting times spiralling out of control.
“It’s the SNP not only letting down patients, but they are also letting down staff too”.