It is always refreshing to hear government ministers admit when things aren’t going to plan and that they need to do better.
And new Health Secretary Michael Matheson’s message is crystal clear – the Scottish Government’s record on cancer is unacceptable. Dismal is a more accurate description for the dire picture of oncology waiting times, with the latest figures the worst on record.
As a member of the government since the SNP swept to power in 2007, he bears some of the collective responsibility for the deterioration. At least by acknowledging how bad things are, he can now begin the long process of making key improvements.
