Three year hernia op wait branded ‘unacceptable’

A PATIENT in the region faced a three year wait for a hernia operation, it has been revealed.

They waited 1011 days up to last year, according to data obtained by Scottish Labour.

Meanwhile, the median wait for a completed operation in the region has more than trebled since 2019, rising from 140 days to 431 days.

Following the release of the figures, South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has slammed the Scottish Government’s handling of the NHS, describing it as “unacceptable and deeply unfair”.

He said: “These figures are shocking. Patients in Dumfries and Galloway are being forced to live in pain and discomfort, sometimes for years, because of the SNP Government’s failure to run our NHS.

“We are still facing some of the longest waits in Scotland for a common surgical procedure. That’s simply not good enough.

“When I last highlighted this issue, I was inundated by constituents facing long waits absolutely desperate for treatment. We’re not talking about minor delays—people are waiting nearly three years for a basic operation like hernia repair. That’s time spent often unable to work, care for family, or even walk properly in some cases. It’s unacceptable and deeply unfair.”

Mr Smyth wants to see the maximising of theatre capacity, freeing up hospital beds, and investing in frontline NHS staff to cut waiting lists and improve patient care.

He added: “Local NHS staff in Dumfries and Galloway are doing their very best under enormous pressure, but they are being let down by a government that isn’t providing the resources or leadership needed.”

“It’s time for a new direction for our NHS.”

Responding, an NHS Dumfries and Galloway spokesperson said: “Data on the median waiting time shows that people were waiting a shorter time on average for hernia surgery in 2025 compared to 2024.

“This comes after tireless work by staff in conjunction with The Scottish Government to reduce the number of people waiting for treatment, and the length of time people are waiting for treatment.

“We continue to work towards this goal, but are very aware of the challenges faced in terms of capacity to meet patient need.

“We recognise the understandable anxiety any delay can cause for those awaiting diagnosis or treatment. Our priority remains to provide safe, timely, and effective care, based on the best available clinical evidence and within the resources available.”