Concern over "intolerable" A&E waits

There are calls for more to be done to tackle "intolerable" waits at A&E departments.

Nearly one in three A&E patients at Forth Valley Royal Hospital waited more than eight hours in the week around Christmas.

The Scottish Lib Dems say the waits are "intolerable".

NHS Forth Valley say they're facing "increasing pressure" - due to a spike in flu cases.

Garry Fraser, NHS Forth Valley Director of Acute Services said: “There are currently 83 patients with confirmed flu, Covid-19 and RSV in our inpatient wards at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, which is a sharp rise on the previous few weeks. This means around one in six of our core inpatient beds is now occupied by patients with respiratory illnesses.

“Ensuring these patients remain isolated is challenging and affects the wider capacity within the hospital. The increase in respiratory viruses, especially flu cases, is also placing additional strain on local services at an already busy time of year and we are continuing to monitor the situation closely.

Alex Cole-Hamilton is Scottish Lib Dem leader:

"Under the SNP's failed NHS Recovery plan, we have seen our A&E services engulfed in crisis this winter. The last five weeks have all seen waiting times bad enough to rank among the 10 worst on record.

"These waits are intolerable for staff and patients alike. We need to see the Scottish Government finally take some urgent action to address this situation.

"Scottish Liberal Democrats would overhaul the SNP’s failed NHS Recovery Plan, get you fast access to GPs and help people leave hospital on time through a new UK-wide minimum wage for care workers that is £2 higher."

Scottish Labour's Jackie Baillie says:

"The SNP is setting all the wrong records when it comes to Scotland's NHS. 

"Rather than using the rest of the year to prepare for winter pressures, the SNP's complacency has plunged our NHS into chaos. 

"For thousands of Scots, the festive season meant a harrowing wait of more than 12 hours in A&E.

"After 18 years in power, it's clear that the SNP is incapable of getting to grips with A&E — Scotland needs a new direction."