Invest in fighting cancer for us all as Scots wait up to a year for treatment
But hardworking hospital staff are being let down by managers and politicians – leaving waiting times at record levels. Today we learn that some Scots are waiting up to a year for their first cancer treatment after being diagnosed – despite a target of 62 days.
This is another stark reminder of the crisis in our health service and the need for more investment and better leadership. Scotland has an ageing population, meaning demand for treatment is only going to increase.
But the situation is being made even worse by the spirit-crushing backlogs for non-emergency treatments, with one in six Scots waiting for a procedure of some sort. The BMA, which represents doctors, warns a two-tier health system is developing where some can afford to skip queues by paying to go private.
Some people will accept, sadly, paying for a hip replacement might be a necessary compromise given the huge backlogs for the operation. But no one – regardless of who they are and where they live – should be forced to consider paying for cancer treatment.
Some cancers, of course, require more urgent attention than others. That doesn't excuse patients across several health boards being left waiting 11 months before receiving their first treatment.
Staff in overstretched hospitals are already working miracles on a daily basis as they try to bring down waiting times. But our cancer services need urgent investment to ensure all patients can be seen in a timely manner.
Hols hangover
Thousands of Scots are jetting out for hard-earned summer holidays.
And for many of us, it will be tempting to enjoy a beer or two on the flight home. But if you're driving from the airport, stick to non-alcoholic drinks.
Police Scotland are mounting patrols at airports to breathalyse people they suspect of drink-driving. The force is rightly concerned over returning holidaymakers taking to the roads while still under the influence.
And they believe these patrols, starting at Aberdeen Airport before being rolled out to other areas, will send a strong signal to drink-drivers.
The message is simple – if you're driving on your return from holiday, lay off the drink. There is no excuse for drink-driving – and losing your licence is a holiday hangover nobody wants.
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