"Scottish heart patients
have been guaranteed treatment within six months, even if that should mean going abroad
for treatment. (BBC News online 11th Feb 2003)"From:
Co-ordinator, Heart Surgery Programme, Greater Glasgow Health Board.
To: Brad McGlinchey, Cranhill, Glasgow.
Dear Mr McGlinchey,
Your GP has asked me to contact you direct with regard to your request that you
receive medical treatment for your heart condition abroad. I note from your GP’s
letter that he can find nothing wrong with your cardiac health despite several
examinations and is puzzled that the condition you describe, suggesting severe arrhythmia,
or in your words, "ma ticker’s gaun like a steam hammer" does not present
symptoms during examination.
I should also point out that to the best of our knowledge no hospital on the
island of Ibiza offers cardiac surgery and it is unlikely that such a hospital would be
built before your preferred treatment date i.e. Fair Fortnight.
As I’m sure you appreciate the overseas option exists only to relieve
pressure on our domestic waiting lists and costs therefore have to be strictly controlled.
Therefore, even if we could meet your request on treatment, the public purse would not be
able to meet the expense of flying your three pals, Shug, Wee Tam and Bullie, to accompany
you to Ibiza.
I further understand that you wish to seek a second opinion on your heart
condition and have suggested consulting one "Doctor Wan Miguel" who apparently
practises at the Eccies Bar in Ibiza Town. I regret to inform you that funds are also not
available for this purpose. May I also take this opportunity to inform you that your GP
has requested you register with another medical practice - preferably in Siberia.
