Endoscopy waiting list in Scotland soars by 44.5 per cent

The number of patients on a waiting list for an endoscopy in Scotland has risen by 44.5 per cent due to the pressure Covid has placed on the NHS.

An endoscopy is one of the key diagnostic tests used to detect many serious illnesses, including some forms of cancer.

Cancer Research UK in Scotland has said early diagnosis was vital in providing access to life-saving treatment.

Public affairs manager for the charity Kirsty Slack, said “Overall, the pandemic has led to a worrying drop in the number of people being diagnosed with cancer and starting treatment.

“While services are slowly recovering, we remain deeply concerned about the ongoing backlog of people waiting to receive these crucial tests and get a diagnosis.

She also urged the Scottish government to address “long-standing staff shortages which exist within cancer services”.

A spokesperson for the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said “We would urge people who need medical advice to attend their GP, or if more urgent or emergency care is needed, to go to A&E.

“Delays in diagnosis and treatment can be deeply distressing for patients, so catching up must be a top priority for the Scottish government during the health service recovery phase.”

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Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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