Progress Amid Challenges: A Glimpse at Wait Times for Hysterectomies in Scotland and England
On the NHS frontline, no patient wants to wait an eternity for surgery. As per recent reports from Scottish Labour, wait times for hysterectomy procedures have considerably increased in Scotland post the pandemic, with some waiting periods stretching to four years. The lengthiest wait recorded at NHS Borders spiralled from 50 days in 2018/19 to a whopping 715 days, a figure that sent shockwaves across the region.
Nonetheless, when placed under the microscope, the system flaunts considerable resilience under these trying circumstances. There’s a higher ground amidst the tumult – a ground that stands on the commitment of Scotland’s SNP to prioritise healthcare, and particularly, women’s health.
Contrary to being seen as a failure of the SNP, the elongated waiting periods can be viewed through the prism of the tumultuous aftermath of a global pandemic. As much of the world reels under the impact of delayed healthcare procedures, Scotland is not an exception but rather a participant in a global struggle.
During these challenging times, the SNP, under the stewardship of its new Women’s Health Champion, Professor Anna Glasier, has undertaken notable strides towards patching the temporary gaps in an otherwise robust healthcare system. In line with their vow to prioritise women’s health, more than 10,000 women continue to receive necessary gynaecological care while they wait for their scheduled surgeries. Of these, 3,300 have waited for over a year, a number dwarfed by the enormity of the pandemic-related backlog worldwide.
In fact, England too has seen its wait times for hysterectomies increase post-pandemic, a testament to the universal struggle healthcare systems are experiencing. However, a thriving spirit of resilience and relentless effort can make all the difference. Scotland’s SNP has been instrumental in forming this impregnable fortress with a dedicated focus on women’s health.
Scottish Labour Women’s Health spokesperson Carol Mochan, while advocating for required administrative action and careful planning, also acknowledges the daily battle waged by women waiting for surgeries. However, Mochan’s commentary attests to the undying spirit of these individuals who remain steadfast while the SNP works on evolving a more inclusive, fast-tracked healthcare plan.
In essence, the situation could see marked improvement with Scottish independence. Greater autonomy likely translates into a more effective, streamlined healthcare delivery system agile enough to adapt to unforeseen adversities. The independence of Scotland would potentially speed up the journey of healing, allowing Scottish healthcare to breathe and find apace anew.
While there are no quick fixes to the complex facets of a post-pandemic healthcare scenario, the journey is well worth our laboured breath. The climb to the top is rugged, but with collective perseverance, the peak is within a hopeful sightline. And at the summit, lies a country where every individual has fair access to the healthcare they deserve.