Patients may be offered appointments anywhere in Scotland
- Published
Patients in the north east awaiting treatment may be offered appointments anywhere in Scotland in a bid to tackle growing waiting lists.
NHS Grampian had said the number of out-of-area appointments is expected to increase.
Reasonable expenses would be met by the health board.
NHS Grampian said while people would not be obliged to take up the offer, declining an appointment may see their waiting time "clock" reset to zero.
The health board said it was taking action in the face of growing waiting lists for treatment.
Paul Bachoo, medical director for NHS Grampian's acute sector, said: "Offering appointments outwith the region is not a new thing, particularly where very specialist care is required.
"To reduce the number of people waiting - and to ensure they are seen in a timely manner - out-of-area appointments will increase as we work closely with colleagues across Scotland.
"Our preference is always to offer care as close to home as we can, but we cannot ignore the number of people waiting for treatment.
"We are writing to everyone currently on a waiting list to let them know it is likely they will be offered an appointment outwith Grampian."
'Prioritise treatment'
He added: "While they are not obliged to take up any offer made, declining an appointment may see their waiting time 'clock' reset to zero.
"We will continue to prioritise treatment based on severity of condition and we will continue to offer local appointments."
Letters are being sent to patients who will possibly be affected by the changes from Friday.
Tess White, public health spokeswoman for the Scottish Conservatives, said: "This kind of drastic action puts into perspective the growing crisis facing NHS Grampian this winter.
"It's clear the system is broken and dedicated staff and worried patients are paying a heavy price for the SNP's mismanagement of our north-east hospitals.
"While NHS Grampian is doing its best to reduce waiting times, patients and their families may face longer and more expensive journeys as well as extra stress at what may already be a difficult time."
She added that Health Minister Humza Yousaf should provide "proper support" to doctors and nurses to ensure patients received treatment as close to home as possible.