Local Labour MSP Colin Smyth has said that waiting times for key clinical tests must improve after the latest figures show 38.1% of patients in Ayrshire and Arran waiting longer than they should.

Figures released from the Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland today show that 38.1% of patients waiting for a key diagnostic test had been waiting more than 6 weeks. The statistics cover the quarter to June 2018.

A standard waiting time of six weeks was set by the Scottish Government in 2009 for diagnostic tests such as CT and MRI scans to aid early detection of conditions like cancer or brain tumours.

Colin Smyth has said that performance under the new Health Secretary Jeane Freeman had to improve.

Colin Smyth said, “Performance for key clinical tests must improve. These standards are in place to ensure that people with potentially serious conditions get the benefit of early detection and have the best possible chance of a full recovery.

The SNP Government must start to fix the NHS Recruitment Crisis and end the sense of short-termism they have employed in the running of our NHS. Waiting times of 38.1% in Ayrshire and Arran cannot continue and the SNP must act to protect patient care.”