Two Lanarkshire MSPs have been embroiled in a war of words over A&E waiting times within NHS Lanarkshire.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Central Scotland Meghan Gallacher says A&E services in NHS Lanarkshire are facing a “terrifying” winter.
Meghan’s call comes after new statistics revealed only 59.2 per cent of patients were seen within four hours at A&E in NHS Lanarkshire during August.
However, Airdrie and Shotts MSP, and current Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray insists the Scottish Government has a winter plan to see Scots through the upcoming months.
Ms Gallacher said: “A&E waiting times in NHS Lanarkshire remain absolutely appalling.
“Given only 59.2 per cent of patients were seen during August, the prospect for patients and dedicated staff in NHS Lanarkshire during the winter months is terrifying.
“I dread to think what scenes we will see in A&E corridors in the coming weeks and months if the SNP do not get a grip of this situation.
“Successive SNP health secretaries have left A&E services in NHS Lanarkshire in a state of permanent crisis and they have no positive vision to fix it.
“It is time SNP health secretary Neil Gray got himself out of the Holyrood bubble and accepted the scale of the crisis in our NHS.
“The Scottish Conservatives have put forward a bold plan to deliver a modern, efficient and local health service and I urge Neil Gray and the SNP to adopt our proposals.”
At Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride, only 53.4 per cent of patients were treated within the Scottish Government’s four-hour target time.
The figure was higher at University Hospital Monklands Monklands on 58.2 per cent while University Hospital Wishaw posted the highest figure of the three Lanarkshire hospitals on 65.2 per cent.
However, that still 30 per cent of the government’s own target of 95 per cent of patients being seen within four hours.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Although we have the best performing core A&E departments in the UK, performance is below the level we all wish to see.
“We continue to support boards as they undertake significant work to make targeted, sustainable improvements to services.
“The pressure being felt by our A&E departments is not unique to Scotland – with similar challenges being felt right across the UK.
“The Scottish Budget for this year provides more than £19.5 billion for health and social care and an extra £500 million for frontline boards.
“Through our winter plan, a record number of NHS 24 call handlers will be available to direct people to the most appropriate care, helping reduce unnecessary A&E attendances.
“We are also working to reduce delayed discharge in hospitals with an increased focus on effective discharge planning.”
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