A Freedom of Information request, lodged by Labour Lothians MSP, Sarah Boyack, has revealed that the average wait times for patients at Edinburgh’s Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, has more than DOUBLED since 2014.
The average wait for inpatient appointments in 2014 was 56.6 days, compared to a staggering 132 days in 2023.
This is an increase of over 130% from when the Eye Pavilion was deemed not fit for purpose in 2014.
A replacement Eye Pavilion was deemed as a top priority of NHS Lothian, but the Scottish Government have not yet committed to the project.
This is despite promises by then First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon that the Scottish Government would proceed with a replacement building.
The outpatient average waiting times has also skyrocketed by similar margins. In 2014, the average wait times for outpatients stood at 49.8 days – by 2023, it had increased dramatically to 136.6 days.
Commening on the figures, Sarah Boyack said: “These soaring waiting times illustrates that the current Eye Pavilion, is not fit for purpose.
“Patients deserve top notch services, but instead they face ever increasing waiting times and a government that is looking the other way.
“The Scottish Government must look at these waiting times and realise that their decision not to go ahead with the hospital will only make things worse.
“I urge the Scottish Government to do the right thing and finally fulfil their pledge to build a new eye hospital in Edinburgh.”
Craig Spalding, Chief Executive, Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, commented: “The soaring waiting times at Edinburgh’s Princess Alexandra Hospital unfortunately come as no surprise, as the building and its facilities are severely outdated.
“The Scottish Government’s decision to not go ahead with a new hospital is letting so many vulnerable people down.
“Growing waiting times are causing lives to be put on hold, and unless positive action is taken, there will likely be more cancellations, prolonged delays, and heightened risks for both patients and staff.”