NURSING shortages are contributing to children waiting up to three times longer for spinal surgery than pre-pandemic, a top surgeon claims.
Chris Adams said up to one in four operations are cancelled at NHS Lothian, with staffing the main reason.
Mr Adams also claims that some children are not being put on waiting lists as early as they should be.
NHS Lothian disputes some of Mr Adams’ claims but said “significant pressures” were affecting waiting times.
Mr Adams is a consultant with the Scottish National Spinal Service (SNSS) and operates at the Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP).
The senior clinician, one of Scotland’s three paediatric spinal surgeons, said he was speaking out of behalf on spinal patients and their families.
