THE Scotland Patients Association has waded into the row over delays in new cardiology treatments, calling for officials and cardiologists to bring an end to the situation by engaging in "positive dialogue".
The watchdog claims it is time for those involved in the dispute to stop engaging in a "blame culture".
Leading cardiologist Professor Keith Oldroyd claimed on Monday in The Herald that patients are being denied the latest drugs and treatment in a bid to save money.
Yesterday, Government adviser Dr Barry Vallance hit back, claiming that disputes between cardiologists were the actual cause of delay – not cost control.
Margaret Watt, chairwoman of the association, said: "This blame culture is no good to patients. Our patients simply end up caught in the middle.
"The Government and the health boards have got to come and meet with the cardiologists and have positive dialogue."
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