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NHS GRAMPIAN HAS said they will be calling in additional help in the latest bid to cut waiting times for ophthalmology patients.

The decision has been welcomed by Moray MP Douglas Ross, to whom the health board confirmed their decision in a written reply to his concerns over waiting times for cataract procedures.

Mr Ross said that he had been raising concerns of constituents over the treatment patients in Moray receive for their eye care for some time, adding: “I’m grateful that NHS Grampian have provided me with a useful update which goes some way to addressing the concerns about provision in our region, as we were languishing at the bottom when it came to waiting times within Scottish health boards.

“I have now received reassurances that action is being taken to reduce waiting times which currently stands at an unacceptable 546 days for cataract operations. NHS Grampian have told me that they have secured additional capacity to deal with the waiting list and have referred more than 1000 patients outside the region for reviews and procedures.”

He added: “I also welcome the fact that health provider Medinet will also take on some patients in a bid to reduce waiting times. “The Chief Executive of NHS Grampian has further confirmed progress with the opening of the ophthalmology department at Dr Gray’s. While this should have happened earlier, this was delayed due to work on the treatment room and in recruiting a consultant.

“A new consultant-led clinic is now operational – and the treatment room is up and running. Having this local facility again will cut down on the number of patients from Moray having to make the gruelling 150mile return journey to Aberdeen for treatment.”