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Patients taken off waiting lists



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Probing questions: Liberal Democrat leader questions Alex Salmond on NHS waiting times in First Minister's Questions.
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Published Date: 01 February 2008
By HAMISH MACDONELL
PATIENTS have been removed from hospital waiting lists to ensure the SNP government meets its political targets, one of Scotland's top plastic surgeons has claimed.
Nicol Stephen, the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, yesterday derided the move as "scandalous".

He produced a letter from Alex Munnoch, a consultant at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, telling a patient from Edinburgh that she had to be taken off the waiting list to meet the Scottish Government's 18-week target.

In the letter, Mr Munnoch stated: "I have a significant number of patients in breach of this and the solution by management is to reduce my waiting list by removing patients' names."

Mr Stephen said: "This is a scandalous situation – achieving the First Minister's targets by dumping patients off the list."

A Scottish Government spokesman later said ministers abolished so-called "hidden" waiting lists last year and the move to take a patient off a waiting list could not happen now.

The full article contains 161 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 04 February 2008 12:06 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Video Archive
 
1

druidh,

edinburgh 01/02/2008 00:07:57
Now go over to the Herald and read the real story. . .


Scotsman caught on the hop again???

Or couldn't resist the temptation to publish whilst not in possession of all the facts?
2

Misty Fife,

01/02/2008 00:35:46
No, this looks like another good hit for Nicol Stephen. The SNP bloggers who have smothered the Herald site are feeding from the info given to them by the government. These patients were dumped from the list in order to make the year end figures look good. They were only dumped because of the changes the SNP government were making. And now these patients have been put back into the NHS - where they should always have been
3

Jwil,

01/02/2008 00:58:09
This article is truely economical with the truth!
4

subrosa,

01/02/2008 01:01:35
# 2

Rubiish Misty. This same hospital sent me a letter around March last year saying 'As you have not turned up for your appointment we are cancelling your necessity to see xxxx'. I immediately contacted them saying I had had no letter offering me an appointment and was told they would call be back within 24 hours. This never happened, so after days of trying to get an answer, I decided a 'stand in' at Ninewells was the answer.

Within half an hour of loudly reiterating my point to the reception in the main foyer, I was seen my an appointment clerk and given an appointment.

Says it all really but made me wonder how many more people had received such letters over the years without ever having been offered an appointment, just in order to remove them from lists.
5

subrosa,

01/02/2008 01:02:56
'my' should be 'by', sorry
6

walter,

01/02/2008 01:13:54
Why did Alex Munnoch send a letter to a patient stating she was being denied liposuction treatment under orders from management in order to reduce waiting lists if it was not true.
He should have to answer for his deception or prove that he was told to remove the patient for the reasons he gave.
7

Mercutio,

FALKIRK 01/02/2008 01:45:49
The Blessed Alex was caught bang to rights by Nickel and that is as it should be, that is what FM,s Questions are all about. He is still well ahead on points of course and until the erstwhile party of Government can find a leader to rattle his cage we will have to suffer his self satisfaction a while longer.
8

a proud doonhamer,

Dumfries 01/02/2008 02:16:14
I don't know what is more pathetic, the Scotsman printing this pack of lies or the onionists grasping it to their collective chests.

The story was discredited, the author of the letter apologized, the patient will recieve her treatment and the Health Minister has issued a clear warning to all NHS sections that any similar actions will not be tolerated.

The only thnng missing is the apology from Nicol and the contrite silence of the press and the onionist numpties.

Shame on the lot of you.
9

James,

Dundee 01/02/2008 02:50:41
Absolute rubbish Mercutio - NHS Tayside Trust are the ones who did this - not the SNP Government.


Crawl back under your rock and say hi to AM2 and Hamish for me!
10

A Better Way,

Edinburgh 01/02/2008 03:47:40
Yes its shocking indeed that the SNP conspired to reduce the waiting list by five patients. Not that they uncovered 35,000 Scottish Folk on waiting lists when they were voted into Government. Sorry who was in power before?. Thats right it was Nicol and Wee Jockee who were abably assisted by the MSP and Health Minister Andy Pandy Kerr who wanted to shut hospitals and A&E. Now if you take 5 patients from 35,000 patients you are left with 34,995 patients. Sounds very strange to me, but enough of this rubbish from the Britnat Parties, I am starting to lose my PATIENCE with them.

Support the Scottish Nation, and stop listening to the drivel from Mr.6% Nicol or Ms.10% Wendy. Vote the Scottish Way and lets give a better future to all Scottish Bairns, in a country that cares for them, first and foremost.
11

Jimmy the Pie,

01/02/2008 08:10:30
I watched Nicol last night on tele and he was almost beside himself with outrage. Sounded completely false - nothing new there then. Might as well get used to the fact he'll never do anything in politics either here or anywhere else, maybe a quango job Nicol???
12

OscarMacApfel,

Dumfries 01/02/2008 08:16:05
Obviously our unionist zombie chums know that this was an inflated accusation, caused by a rift between a consultant and his management, yet they will milk it for all it's worth through the medium of ignorance. More power to them, the longer they perpetuate the myth that the SNP are just as corrupt as them, the harder the SNP work to ensure they are not.

13

Jock 107,

01/02/2008 08:49:08
#12 Yes - the SNP is brilliant, and not corrupt. This doctor has a gripe with his managers, not his managers boss.
14

Alastair the First,

01/02/2008 09:05:37
Nicol Stephen huffed and puffed on Newsnight - it was verging on hilarious. Nicola Sturgeon acted within minutes to sort out the problem, but Nicol couldn't bring himself to admit it and started droning on about guarantees that this situation wouldn't arise elsewhere. Nicol painted himself into a corner and revealed himself again to be the sh1tstirring wee turd that he is.

A problem arose - one which Nicol could have raised a week ago - but he chose to delay unti FMQ in the hope of making a political point - however it has backfired on him. What an odious creep he is!
15

Scotland to prosper...,

01/02/2008 09:06:03
Just read the Heralds report on the issue. I'm not a Herald fan by any stretch but it's quite unbelievable how much of the story the Scotsman has left out.

It might be time to top off your pages with a splash of red, your acting the part of a low-brow red-top, you might as well look like one.
16

Liberal for life,

Dunblane 01/02/2008 09:18:43
Look gNATS - its happened, face up to the reality this has been done to meet the SNP's politically motivated target figures. Any other gloss you want to put on the authenticity is a pathetic example of self denial, but then again thats a well practiced art for most nationalists.
17

OscarMacApfel,

Dumfries 01/02/2008 09:20:00
You know one day, in all eventuality, the Lib Dems, Labour or the Tories will have an important story to bring to Parliament and nobody is going to believe them, having previously cried wolf so many times.

18

Scotland to prosper...,

01/02/2008 09:31:46
#19

Wise up, as stated only 3 posts before you, Lib/Lab brought in the waiting list target. The Dr who wrote the letter "unreservedly" apologised and the only thing to come out of the whole affair was something we already knew....

Nichol Stephen has zero political ability, he's wooden, ill advised and is sinking fast now that his pal wee Wendy has gone into hibernation
19

Jimmy the Pie,

01/02/2008 09:37:56
Didn't see FMQ yeaterday. Was Wendy putting on another stunning show or was it the new leader in-waiting Andy Kerr??
20

Jimmy the Pie,

01/02/2008 09:40:03
And still no commenting allowed on the corrupt and fraudulent Tory MP.
Is he a Johnston Press shareholder??
21

OscarMacApfel,

Dumfries 01/02/2008 09:46:02
YESSSS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAmS8hIql78
22

Jock 107,

Galafrey 01/02/2008 09:48:50
#21
"Dr who wrote the letter"
So who is the evil Master?
23

subrosa,

01/02/2008 09:59:14
#22 Jimmy the Pieman

Her line of 'attack' was central heating for the elderly. Unfortunately her research was, as usual, of a poor standard because this policy from the labout/libdems is a complete shambles and the SNP are trying hard to sort it out.

She looked as uncomfortable as usual. I'm sure she wishes she was anywhere else but there at noon on a Thursday.
24

Queen D,

Glasgow 01/02/2008 10:10:26
Well behind the times , Scotsman!
Liberal leader sat on letter to score own goal!
Shame , he did look a complete fool!
25

Doh,

01/02/2008 10:16:04


Good to see an opposition MSP hold the government to account - if the only upside of this incident is that one patient gets their treatment then that is good enough a reason to raise the issue in parliament.

Although I must admit that the Scotsman is only telling half the story - to be fair Ecky Trump said he would look into it - and on the telly last night it sounded as if Nicola Sturgeon had lent on the health authorities concerne to get some action.

In many ways a good news story.
Parliamentary scrutiny and government action.
26

Sanny,

Glasgow 01/02/2008 10:30:33
Did I pick up correctly on this?
Was this lady waiting for liposuction??
Is this a life threatening disease?
Sounds more like cosmetic surgery to me.

Let's be honest, there is a limit to how much we can spend on the NHS. This money should be reserved for those with real need, either preventative or curative. It should not be used for boob jobs and the like.

I will support a government of any persuasion that takes strong action to define the function of the NHS as a HEALTH service, that is dedicated to maintaining the health of the nation. All cosmetic surgery and procedures such as IVF should be placed in the private sector. This would release serious money to deal with serious diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

27

morris,

edinburgh 01/02/2008 11:26:27
Firstly this disgusting piece of journalistic garbage creates the impression that the SNP Governmnet are responsible here.In fact if you pay attention at all,you will surely find that NHS Tayside(or someone employed there) are repsonsible, and the Doctor which Nichol Stephen refers to has DENIED on national television that any such pressure took place.

THAT MEANS THIS PAPER IS DISGUSTING and they know this to be true !
Where(or rather from whom ) did the letter come , and why? Well you may ask.Rest assured others will definitely do so and whoever is behind this should be forced to explain their conduct here.The patient has been removed ,as I understand it,but it definitely has bog all to do with Holyrood and the Doctor has made this absolutley clear.

READ THE HERALD and then ask Nicol Stephen where did he get this letter from , because the Doctor he claims was the source says the claims in the letter are NOT TRUE.So who authorised this letter and more importantly WHY ? Did the Doctor send this out,and if he did ,why when it has no basis .SOMEBODY DID!

Those of you shouting for the Scottish governments blood are like this newspaper .

NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE

If you believe what you read without examining the facts then you can hardly complain if we call you a bunch of idiots!
The concept of waiting times and the manipulation of figures were something that took place under the Labour Lib Dem coalition,of which Nicolarse was a prominent member,but no evidence exists to suggest any wrong doing by the SNP here,only the very opposite reassurance by the named Doctor!
If the Labour and Liberal party are reduced to this total desperation then this is NOT GOING TO HELP THEM !
For liberal read TELL ME A FAIRY TORY !


28

Jimmy the Pie,

01/02/2008 11:35:11
#32 Jackie, Good post.

Leaves the idiot Nicol with egg all over his face - yet again. I think he needs to get a real job and leave politics to the professionals.
29

Peeablo,

Brownistan 01/02/2008 11:39:43
Hamish MacDonnell - Labour party card member strikes again!!!

PATHETIC journalism!!!

You and your like have ruined the Scotsman.


PS

I am not a SNP supporter or troll. I just want to go back to good honest journalism, not this Red Top tripe.
30

morris,

edinburgh 01/02/2008 11:51:47
26

Off topic I know but installing central heating for the elderly does precious little to address the real problem of being able to afford to switch it on.
Insulation of their homes would be a better spend in my view,or subsidising their fuel costs !How about doing the opposite of what we do currently which is charge less as you use more. This might suit the guy with ten bedrooms but it does sod all for Granny in her wee draughty cottage half way up Glen Fridge !

A central heating system costs money and whilst it will heat five rooms cheaper than leaving five fires on probably,you can only be in one room as an individual. Most pensioners gain nothing as far as I can see from having central heating system if they cannot afford the gas which it uses !

Its fuel poverty which is the killer,and heat from any source will do. The paying for it is another matter.

The winter fuel payment looks good,but in fact its just a few pounds onto the pension presented in a much more appealing way. Paying them a decent pension in line with our European partners would be better surely!
31

JR Ewing,

Aberdeen 01/02/2008 12:57:22
It has always been a bit of a puzzle why an allegedly national newspaper The Scotsman has a lower circulation than the allegedly regional Press&Journal.

Hamish MacDonnell&Co hold the answer
Does his bosses not realise that people who are content with the above garbage do not purchase this newspaper "REAL" Scots buy the Record
32

democracy,

Scottish Borders 01/02/2008 14:18:33
#19 Liberal for life,that's a good thing to be, sitting on the fence watching the world go by, in the full knowledge that the party will NEVER EVER have to make proper decisions like proper politicians.
A Liberal for life, tells me that you need the party to do your thinking for you, doesn't it?, I bet your father and mother voted LD or L and their parents before them voted L, yes , just as I thought!!
Normal thinking politically aware types tend to move their allegience according to manifestos and substance and core beliefs which will change somewhat over the decades, except Lib/Dems of course, as they don't know themselves what they are about, same as their supporters. A staid party with staid support!!!
33

subrosa,

01/02/2008 15:05:29
# 35 Morris

Good post. Good points.
34

democracy,

Scottish Borders 01/02/2008 15:25:24
The Herald is already way ahead of you on this one YAWN! with the apology from the appropriate corner.
And Nickle Steevenz as usual with egg stuck firmly on his mud slinging face. What a total loser this guy is, ideal fodder for this rag and I see you have even got the little video with the loser putting the lie to Mr. A. Salmond, PM of Scotland and all round nice guy and Scottish through and through unlike all pro-Union(lets be governed by a foreign country)supporters!
35

Doh,

01/02/2008 15:37:06
#39 democracy

So what you are saying is that Nicol Stephen raised an important issue in the parliament and the SNP ministers have followed it up.

Wake up - this is a sign of democracy in action.

I think the consultant has a bit of explaining to do mind you - writes a letter then retracts - sounds like his management have sat on him.

Hopefully the SNP will investigate his retraction as well - instead of beating these guys up they should be encouraged to speak out. Unless you have got something to hide of course.


36

Jimmy the Pie,

01/02/2008 15:45:52
When can we expect a statement from Nicol, apologising to everyone for his latest b@lls up, especially Nicola Sturgeon? His fake outrage last night summed him up as the complete ar$ehole he is. With all his constituents lining up to boot him out his days are numbered. I think his head was screwed up when he got to the dizzy heights of 'office' in Wee Joke's failed government. Maybe he could get a job with Comrade Broon's mob in London, as a reward for his services to the UK Sleaze Party.
37

Roberta Burns,

01/02/2008 15:54:50
30 Sanny,Glasgow -Well said.

We should not be clogging up NHS waiting lists with unnecessary procedures - liposuction? Now, if it was a hip operation, or a cancer patient, then there should be an outcry. But, I ask you, liposuction?
Quite right doctor, use your education and experience to cut waiting lists, and leave the politicisans to take the flak.
38

NovaScotia™,

01/02/2008 15:57:19
42. I think the liposuction was to treat oedema, a painful condition of fluid built up in the limbs causing massive swelling, disfigurement and pain. Can be related to heart failure, kidney problems or other conditions...
39

Sanny,

Glasgow 01/02/2008 16:44:26
43 NovaScotia

If that is the case then was not cosmetic and comes under genuine medical necessity. I still strongly object to all forms of cosmetic treatments under the NHS. This includes IVF in all its forms. If you want to defy nature then do so but at your own expense. Nobody dies for want of a child.
When the NHS was set up at the latter end of the 40's it was intended to be a proactive preventative service free at the point of delivery.


40

NovaScotia™,

01/02/2008 17:18:15
BREAKING NEWS - WENDYGATE

Scottish Parliamnet Standards Commissioner has criticised Wendy Alexanbder for breaking rules on registration of interests, and has said she acted wrongly keeping donations secret - Wendy has broken rules....
41

Jimmy the Pie,

01/02/2008 17:43:26
#45
Now there's a surprise!!!

Have the polis paid a visit yet????
42

NovaScotia™,

01/02/2008 17:55:32
46 No, this is not the Electoral Commission report on illegal donations. This is a separate investigation by the Scottish Parliament Standards Commissioner into Wendy breaking the code of conduct by failing to decalre cash donations.... SPSC says she "acted wrongly" and has censured her.

Illegal donations report still pending (that the criminal bit), as is report on her potential abuse of parliamentary office for political fund-raising and the £40,000 in parliamentary allowances sent to "Computers for Labour" a "Company" which shares an address with Labour HQ London....
43

Grahamski,

Falkirk 01/02/2008 21:06:03
BREAKING NEWS
Anonymous SNP supporter spuriously smears the leader of the opposition...again and again and again.
Isn't this all a bit....tiresome?
44

Conan the Librarian™,

01/02/2008 21:23:32
48
Anonymous onionist supporter spuriously smears the FM...again and again and again.
Isn't this all a bit....tiresome?
45

Grahamski,

Falkirk 01/02/2008 21:25:31
Conan,
You're a clever one. I saw what you did there. Turned my own words against me...hoist by my own petard, eh?
.......I'll get my coat..
46

NovaScotia™,

01/02/2008 22:05:59
48 By "anonymous SNP supporter" do you mean the Scottish Parliament Standards Commissioner who said Wendy Alexander "acted wrongly" and censured her?
47

Iain's,

01/02/2008 22:24:56
I got fat when I went to Scotland at Christmas.

This did not happen The previous year when Labour were in power!

So I blame the SNP for everything that has happened.
I also do not trust doctors who fiddle the figures to change a corn plaster, let alone tell the truth.
If a doctor has lied about, or fiddled, waiting lists he should be fired and lose his pension rights.

48

Jwil,

01/02/2008 23:21:38
#44

"I still strongly object to all forms of cosmetic treatments under the NHS."

This is a very superficial view. There are lots of children who are seriously affected by having some sort of facial deformity, for example, and are tormented by other chidren to the point of bullying. Comestic surgery can remove this stigma and improve a childs mental welfare. The same thing can also apply to adults.
49

Nova.,

02/02/2008 12:15:19
.
50

Nova',

02/02/2008 12:17:56
.
51

Liberal for life,

Dunblane 02/02/2008 17:45:31
#37 - "substance and core beliefs which will change somewhat over the decades"

Oh man oh man you are such a fly by nighter thats for sure - SNP the day, Tory the morrow (or are they really the same thing these days?). Its consistency that counts in political philosophy so your flipperty jig attitude speaks volumes for your "core beliefs" - they must be crap!

 

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