Record View: Surgical Strike

HEALTH Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday promised a quick end to “hidden” waiting lists in the NHS.

While in opposition, the SNP strongly condemned the use of these availability status codes which covered low-priority conditions and certain patients.

We would all like to see transparency in waiting lists but whether tinkering with the filing system is apriority for the NHS is open to debate.

Much more important is achieving a reduction in waiting times for cancer patients.

Troubleshooters who turned round the service in Glasgow and Forth Valley are to be sent into other failing areas. This is an initiative that is working and must be supported.

What the minister must ensure is that once health boards have got on top of their waiting lists, they have the structure to keep on top of them.

(c) 2007 Daily Record; Glasgow (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.