An Edinburgh MP has warned that long NHS waiting times are having a serious impact on women across the Lothians, as concerns grow about a two-tier healthcare system emerging in Scotland.
Private healthcare admissions in Scotland recently hit a record high, sparking fresh concerns that patients are increasingly being pushed towards paying for treatment because of long waits in the NHS.
Tracy Gilbert MP says these delays are particularly affecting women, who are often left waiting the longest for treatment, including for gynaecological conditions and diagnostic tests.
Commenting, Edinburgh North and Leith MP Tracy Gilbert said:
“Across Edinburgh and the Lothians, too many women are being left waiting far too long for the care they need.
“For many women, these delays aren’t just frustrating, they mean months or even years living with pain, uncertainty or conditions that are affecting their daily lives.
“When people feel forced to consider paying privately just to be seen sooner, it raises serious concerns about a two-tier system emerging in our NHS.
“Women across Scotland deserve timely, high-quality care through our NHS, regardless of their ability to pay.”