Information from ISD Scotland has revealed that patients in NHS Tayside are just as likely to be seen within four weeks as they are in four months.
The shocking stats reveal that in the last quarter, 23.9% of patients were seen within four weeks but 22.1% waited longer than four months.
In neighbouring NHS Fife, only 8.1% of patients had to wait more than four months, with an impressive 56.1% being seen within four weeks.
Musculoskeletal patients include those requiring physio and occupational therapy, as well as podiatry and orthotics.
Commenting, Liz Smith MSP said:
“NHS Tayside has the worst performance in Scotland when it comes to treating musculoskeletal patients within four weeks and has the second highest proportion of patients who wait more than four months.
“This is clearly not good enough considering other health boards, including neighbouring Fife, are performing much better.
“Many patients are being forced to go private in order to be seen quicker such is the pain and discomfort they are in.
“Workforce issues are clearly a problem at Tayside and it is more important than ever that these are sorted out.”