Lanarkshire MSP hits out at Scottish Government following release of latest NHS A&E figures

A Lanarkshire MSP has criticised the Scottish Government for its lack of preparedness for the winter season following the release of the latest NHS Accident and Emergency figures. According to the most recent weekly data, 15% of all accident and emergency patients had to wait over eight hours to be seen, with 257 individuals waiting more than half a day. Scottish Labour’s Monica Lennon described these statistics as “deeply worrying,” emphasizing the need for proactive measures by the Scottish Government.

Lennon highlighted the importance of utilising the extra £789 million of health-related funding provided to Scotland by the UK Budget, calling on the SNP ministers to address the issue urgently. She pointed out that the prolonged waiting times in A&E departments, especially in Lanarkshire, indicate a serious strain on the healthcare system. With hundreds of patients experiencing long waiting times, Lennon stressed that both patients and healthcare workers deserve better treatment.

In the week ending November 17, University Hospital Wishaw in Lanarkshire had 1,479 A&E attendances, with only 54.6% of patients being seen within four hours. Similarly, University Hospital Hairmyres in East Kilbride saw 1,259 patients, with a 55.2% compliance rate with the four-hour target. University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie reported a 63.1% success rate in meeting the four-hour target.

The Scottish Government’s target is to have 95% of patients seen within four hours, a goal that has proven challenging to achieve. Health Secretary Neil Gray acknowledged the current performance levels are below expectations and pledged to work with NHS Boards to improve the situation. Gray highlighted the increased funding provided in the Scottish Budget for health and social care, including additional resources for frontline services.

As winter approaches, the focus is on reducing unnecessary A&E attendances by providing appropriate care through initiatives like NHS 24 call handlers. The Health Secretary reassured the public that efforts are being made to enhance healthcare services despite the existing pressures faced not only in Scotland but across the UK.

In conclusion, the recent outcry from Lanarkshire MSP Monica Lennon sheds light on the urgent need for improved healthcare services in Scotland, particularly in A&E departments. With long waiting times and a strained system, it is evident that immediate action is required to ensure that patients receive timely and efficient care. The challenges faced by the healthcare sector during the winter season underscore the importance of effective planning and resource allocation to meet the needs of the population.