Operations activity still well down on pre-pandemic levels

Responding to Public Health Scotland figures published today showing that 15.1% fewer operations were planned between September 2023 and August 2024, than were planned in the 12 months prior to the pandemic, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:

“These statistics represent patients waiting in pain and anxiety. Years on from the pandemic, services are still being overwhelmed, backlogs remain and essential operations are being delayed unacceptably.

"In total, more than 470,000 operations have been lost.

“It’s been three years since the Scottish Government’s NHS Recovery Plan was published, but there are no signs of progress. Instead of burying his head in the sand, Neil Gray should face up to the undeniable crisis in our NHS and come up with a new strategy that delivers for patients and staff alike.

“A new plan must prioritise the recruitment and retention of staff. Scottish Liberal Democrats have repeatedly called for a burnout prevention strategy and a staff and social care assembly that puts the knowledge of experienced professionals at the heart of the rebuilding our NHS."