Independent review at NHS Lothian after whistle blower reports non-recorded waiting times

A&E - credit Lydia

Health Secretary Shona Robison has ordered an independent review into practices at St John’s Hospital in Livingstone amid allegations long waits for A&E were not being recorded.

A whistle blower contacted the minister last month to report non-compliance in recording practices at the hospital.

Robison had asked NHS Lothian to investigate the claims but early findings have led her to ask the Scottish Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, Chaired by Professor Derek Bell, to carry out an independent review.

The review will report back to the Cabinet Secretary early in the new year.

Robison said: “These are serious allegations and the early findings are clearly a cause for concern.

“That is why I have asked Professor Bell to lead an independent review of these allegations.

“We are working very closely with the Board to ensure that lessons are learned from the investigation and recommendations made are fully implemented as soon as possible and shared across NHS Scotland.”

The standard for NHS Scotland is for 98 per cent of patients to wait less than four hours from arrival to admission, discharge or transfer for accident and emergency treatment.