A leaked NHS report has exposed dangerously long waits for cardiology appointments in Glasgow.
The report on outpatient cardiology revealed soaring waiting times and rising deaths among those needing treatment at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
In the QEUH catchment alone, 2890 patients were awaiting a new patient assessment and 459 urgent new patients were awaiting review.
About 1600 currently on the list have exceeded the 12-week waiting time and the numbers dying while waiting on an outpatient appointment have risen.
The report stated: “This increase … likely reflects the wider impact the pandemic has had on healthcare but long waiting times to see a cardiologist could be an important factor.”
Scottish Labour’s health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie said: “NHS staff are working around the clock to paper over the cracks but services just can’t cope.”
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde apologised, adding: “Throughout the pandemic all outpatient cardiology appointments have been prioritised by clinical need to ensure urgent patients are seen as quickly as possible.”
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