Waiting crime

YOUR front-page article (10 August) about the long waits for attendance at accident and emergency departments raises the question of why so many patients are attending A&E. Is it because they find it easier to attend there rather than see their general practitioner?

Rigid appointment systems and the fact GPs are only available on weekdays in office hours with occasional evening surgeries can drive patients to their local hospital A&E.

The old, open surgeries may have resulted in longer waiting times but at least the patients knew they would be seen if they waited. I think there is a case for one open surgery a day and may I dare say, an open session on Saturday mornings.

Hugh M Mackenzie

Bonnethill Road

Pitlochry

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I FIND it incredible that any ­A&E patient in Scotland should have to wait any­where near 12 hours to be seen by a doctor and the fact that this number seems to be increasing is disgraceful (your report, 10 August).

Taken along with arguments about the provision of life-­extending drugs to seriously ill patients and hygiene concerns such as those highlighted recently within Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, there is every reason for patients to feel ­slightly uneasy.

Admittedly, the provision of healthcare is a complex business but one expects the core activities of the National Health Service to be undertaken efficiently.

Surely the Scottish health ­secretary [Nicola Sturgeon] should ascertain if the problems arise from lack of money, insufficient staff or mismanagement and address them.

Bob MacDougall

Oxhill

Kippen
Stirlingshire

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