Humza Yousaf's parting gift for our NHS: more misery at A&E

Responding to new figures showing that only 62.9% of patients were seen across Scotland within the 4 hour target (the lowest since early January), and waits deteriorating at hospitals across the Scotland, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said Humza Yousaf's parting gift as health secretary was just more misery for patients waiting at A&E. 

Since becoming health secretary in May 2021, Humza Yousaf's watch has seen:

• The number waiting over 4 hours increase by 171%
• The number waiting over 8 hours increase by 706%
• The number waiting over 12 hours increase by 1,123%

Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“On the day he finishes his time as health secretary Humza Yousaf has a final parting gift for patients across Scotland: more misery and long waits at A&E.

“These new statistics should serve as a strong reminder to Humza Yousaf that though he may no longer be health secretary after today, the crisis in our NHS must remain at the very top of his in tray.

"Humza Yousaf certainly cannot continue to oppose our constructive proposals such as an urgent inquiry into the hundreds of avoidable deaths linked to the emergency care crisis, a burnout prevention strategy and a health and social care staff assembly.

“Thousands of patients have been left to wait for hours on end in our A&E departments, yet the first thing Humza Yousaf wanted to do was ask the UK government for a referendum on breaking up the UK. Patients and staff alike are being taken for granted by a party who just simply does not share their concerns and priorities.”