PATIENTS WHO HAVE been facing long delays for eye treatment in Moray could now expect to be treated much quicker – and closer to home.

Complaints have been rife over the lack of specialist cover over several areas at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin, forcing patients to either wait months for appointments – or make the long journey to Aberdeen for their treatment.

Moray-based MSP Douglas Ross took up their cause on learning of the troubles from several constituents, calling on NHS Grampian to speed up the process of appointing a consultant ophthalmologist as quickly as possible.

Now the MSP has revealed that discussions with NHS Grampian’s chief executive, Malcolm Wright, has produced a result, with a new specialist due to take up the post at Dr Gray’s next month.

Mr Ross said: “I am pleased to hear that, following correspondence with NHS Grampian chief executive Malcolm Wright about a constituent who had waited some considerable time for a cataract operation, a Consultant Ophthalmologist has now been appointed which should improve the situation for others in Moray when they take up their post in June.

“I understand that some patients have waited more than a year for their procedure which is clearly unacceptable.

“Hopefully with a new consultant ophthalmologist holding a clinic at Dr Gray’s every week waiting times will be reduced. I’ve also been informed that the health board are looking to recruit a further consultant to increase their capacity to deal with the backlog of patients.”