One Highland patient is at last to see a clinical psychologist after a frustrating three-year wait – but must travel 7,500 miles over the next six months to make the appointments.
The Caithness resident, who did not wish to be named, described the situation as “scandalous”.
He said: “When people need to see a clinical psychologist then they should be seen as soon as possible. Their situation can change over time, perhaps for the worse.
“The length of time we are waiting is a disgrace. I feared that the longer I waited the worse I would get, and this is happening to hundreds of others.
“I am about to start seeing a psychologist at last, but there is no longer one based in Caithness so I will have to make weekly 250-mile round trips to Inverness.
“Over six months that will be around 7,500 miles.
“NHS Highland is looking at making savings on mental health services, so how are they going to cut waiting times while making further cuts.
“I just wanted to see a psychologist, but I want to see one on my own doorstep.”
Shadow health minister David Stewart, who took up the patient’s case, said the situation for psychology patients in the north was being compounded by the fact that New Craig’s psychiatric hospital in Inverness has had to cut beds because of staffing problems, while a psychologist covering Caithness and Sutherland has left her post.
An NHS Highland spokesman confirmed the psychologist for Caithness and Sutherland had left the post in December and they were now looking to recruit following a review of psychological services.
He added: “We will also be recruiting an additional Clinical Associate for Applied Psychology (CAAP) from the national fund.
“Due to the ongoing nurse staffing pressures, NHS Highland temporarily reduced capacity [at New Craigs] by six beds in March. We are actively looking to recruit to the nurse vacancies.”
