Call for investigation over A&E ‘manipulation’ claims

Scottish Labour’s health spokeswoman Jenny Marra today called for an immediate investigation over claims NHS Tayside manipulated A&E waiting times figures.

A Tayside doctor whistleblower told BBC Scotland that the health board has ‘manipulated’ waiting time figures by shifting people out of accident and emergency for important tests.

NHS Tayside has boasted the lowest accident and emergency waits in Scotland for several years, with 99 per cent of patients treated in four hours. It insists patients are being treated in appropriate settings.

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However Marra said: "A member of the medical staff at Ninewells has made very serious allegations about the management of A&E, and these must be fully investigated immediately by the SNP Government.

"These allegations are not the first to be raised about the manipulation of waiting times figures at Ninewells. Staff raised their concerns a few months ago with the General Medical Council, and a recent report by NHS Education highlighted issues about the quality of surgical training.

"Of course it is important that waiting times are kept as low as possible, but patient safety is paramount, and staff must feel able to work in a safe and professional environment.”

Liberal Democrat Jim Hume said the claims showed balance of care needed to be shifted.

“Without greater GP services or more resource for care in the community, NHS staff at hospitals will continue to do more with less. This must change with a longer term plan to ensure Scotland’s health service is built to last,” he said.

An NHS Tayside spokeswoman said patient safety was its "overriding priority", and "Waiting time targets do not form any part of our primary consideration."