Healthcare treatment plan hold-ups highlighted by MSP
MSP Jackie Baillie, has raised concerns about the health of the health service after new figures revealed that 8,607 patients took longer than the 18-week target to reach a healthcare plan in the first three months of 2018.
The Scottish Government’s target is that 90 percent of patients should have a completed pathway to treatment within 18 weeks, however, in Greater Glasgow and Clyde the reality is that this barely reached 86 percent.
Scottish Labour has established a workforce commission to develop a blueprint to fix the NHS staffing crisis for good, according to local MSP Jackie Baillie (pictured right). She said: “NHS staff are the heroes of our health service, they work hard round the clock to provide the care that Scots need but it is becoming increasingly clear that they are facing an uphill battle under this SNP Government.
“Across Scotland, more than 55,000 patients waited longer than 18-weeks, and here in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde it was 8,607 patients, so the problems facing the health service go well beyond one health board. Patients and staff are being failed by a health secretary who is out of her depth.”
Meanwhile, MSP Jackie Baillie has welcomed a funding boost of £94,825 for ENABLE Scotland’s Helensburgh branch. The group plan to use the funds to employ a new Development Officer who will put together a programme of support for people in the town experiencing loneliness, isolation or poor mental health. Working with a team of volunteers they will consult with local people to shape and deliver a vision designed to help increase confidence and bring people together.
The MSP said: “I am delighted to hear that ENABLE Scotland’s Helensburgh branch have been successful in their application for funding to the National Lottery Fund. A Development Officer who will focus on tackling loneliness, isolation and poor mental health with be an invaluable asset to the town, and will help a great number of people.
“I work closely with ENABLE Scotland through the CPG on Learning Disability which I convene. I know that the work that they do in Helensburgh and across Scotland is so incredibly important and is a lifeline for so many people with learning disabilities.”