The latest quarterly figures show that, of 536 referrals to a pain clinic in NHS Grampian, only 51 were seen for the first appointment within the 18-week target. Clinicians in NHS Grampian have confirmed that the waiting time for new routine appointments is now 40 weeks. When should patients expect to see reductions in their waiting times?

The Scottish Government will continue to work with health boards to make sure that patients who need care achieve that care timeously. I know how important it is for patients to access the services of pain clinics and to access them speedily. I will ask the health secretary to look into the specific issue that the member has raised and to reply to him in writing. I readily acknowledge that the issues that he has raised are important.