"MRI Scans and long, long delays in getting results"

I have Multiple Sclerosis and in recent years have had annual MRI scans at the QEUH. These scans help monitor the inevitable progress of MS and my deterioration. I recently saw my MS Nurse at the QE and, amongst other things she so as she would arrange my MRI scan but it now takes around 3 months to get the results.

I believe I know the story behind these delays I.e consultants have been advising the Scottish Government for years that a failure to attract qualified staff and a failure to attract people into training was going to cause acute shortages. It seems that the Government still isn't listening and indeed, in spite of spending £tens of millions on MRI scanners, Scotland doesn't appear to have the staff to interpret the results. 

 I urge NHS Scotland to send the scans to England or Wales which it seems have been more proactive and successful in recruiting the necessary staff/ consultants and could provide patients with more timely results.

As it is, my MRI Scan in going to sit for months waiting for someone to look at it!

How does this make me feel? Both angry and anxious. With my MS nurse we review progress of MS with a view, amongst other things of considering whether I need some change in my disease modifying drug in the hope of slowing the progress of MS and disability. Waiting 3 or more months for someone to look at an MRI scan is not going to help one bit.

 Frankly, I can't believe that the country has allowed itself to get in the position where, in spite of repeated warnings and alerts, it hasn't recruited the staff to facilitate treatment of MS - this is particularly incredible given that Scotland has one of the highest rates of MS in the world.