Waiting list patients losing out on care prospects

HOSPITAL consultants have been accused of deliberately failing to tell patients stuck on waiting lists that they are entitled to free treatment elsewhere.

A Government scheme to cut hospital waiting lists, by paying for private treatment for public patients at home and abroad, has had such a low take-up in some health boards that it has to be re-launched.

Department of Health officials have privately blamed the poor response on doctors who are not referring patients.