Cole-Hamilton: NHS waiting times leaving thousands in pain and uncertainty

Responding to the latest Public Health Scotland figures, which showed that 152,606 people are waiting on NHS lists for key diagnostic tests as of 30th June 2023, almost 72% higher than the pre-pandemic average, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:

“I’ve lost count of how many of my constituents get in touch to tell of long NHS waits, not only for treatment, but even just to get a vital scan or test.

"Every day, people are waiting in pain and uncertainty, whilst many NHS staff are beyond breaking point. The Health Secretary needs to replace the failed NHS Recovery Plan as we approach the winter months or things risk spiralling out of control.

"We need solutions like a Burnout Prevention Strategy, which my party has proposed but was voted down by this SNP/Green Government, as well as a Health and Social Care Staff Assembly. The NHS needs new hope, and it needs it now.”