Commenting on the publication today of waiting times statistics for Scotland, Professor Derek Bell, Chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties in Scotland, said:
“The change in waiting time figures almost certainly reflects the current pressures which exist within the health service in relation to demand on, and capacity to deliver, services.
“There is a real opportunity to drive the Chief Medical Officer’s work on ‘Realistic Medicine’ in relation to adding value to health care and improving patient care. There are potential benefits for elective practice ensuring that we provide the most appropriate services to meet the needs of our patients.
“It may also be that developing a national programme to support work - along the lines of ‘6 Essential Actions to Improving Unscheduled Care’ or the proposals for ‘The Modern Outpatient Programme’ - could be beneficial.”
Contact: Lisa Rooke - 0131 247 3688 / 07717 895628 / l.rooke@rcpe.ac.uk
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