Patient criticises minimum 30 week wait for hospital appointment

A pensioner who has been told he will have to wait at least 30 weeks to see a consultant about a blocked artery in his leg has criticised the health service.

James Neilson, whose case was highlighted by Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale at FMQs on Thursday, said the hold up was "ridiculous".

Twelve weeks ago his GP referred him to the Royal Infirmary Hospital, Edinburgh, to see a specialist.

But Mr Neilson, 77, has now been told that because of a shortage of vascular consultants he faces a long wait.