Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Ross Finnie MSP has attacked the SNP’s proposals for a Patients’ Rights Bill because it will lead to lengthy legal disputes instead of improving patient care.

Mr Finnie welcomed the announcement of £270 million to cut waiting times, but pointed out that this could be increased should the Government drop its plans to make patients’ rights legally enforceable.

Commenting after a debate in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Finnie said:

“Patients’ rights are already enshrined in the Patients’ Charter. The Scottish Government should be looking at how this existing Charter could be extended and improved, rather than wasting time and money on this Bill.

“The £270 million investment to cut waiting times is welcome. I do, however, wonder how much more could be invested in improving frontline services if the SNP dropped this unnecessary plan to make patients’ rights legally enforceable.

“I’m confident that most patients would rather have more medical staff and cleaner hospitals rather than the right to a lawyer at their bedsides.”