Andy Kerr wants "reasonable" offers of treatment

Andy Kerr made the demand while chairing NHS Grampian's annual review in Aberdeen.

Last week BBC Scotland revealed that cardiac patients were being taken off lists if they agreed to postpone appointments or be treated elsewhere.

NHS Grampian said it was reviewing its procedures on waiting lists.

'Reasonable offer'

The health minister made reference to a significant rise in Availability Status Codes (ASCs) in the health board area.

These are specified circumstances in which it may not be possible to meet a waiting time standard.

Mr Kerr made it clear to NHS Grampian that patients must be given "reasonable" choices.

He said he needed to be reassured that the board was following executive guidance on the use of ASCs.

"I need to ensure that as of this day you are making sure you are giving all of your patients that reasonable offer," Mr Kerr said.

I can give you a categoric assurance that we are on the case Jim Royan NHS Grampian

"It is not acceptable to give people unreasonable offers just to get them off a list."

Jim Royan, chairman of NHS Grampian, said the board acknowledged it had a fundamental duty of care, and had called for an immediate review into administration.

He said: "I can give you a categoric assurance that we are on the case."

A report into NHS Grampian's performance highlighted concern over waiting times for some cancer treatments, including skin cancer, breast cancer and neurology, which were described as "extremely challenging".