Cole-Hamilton responds to damning health survey

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today said that the SNP government is leaving our health system to suffer after a damning series of findings published in a new survey.

The Scottish Health Survey found that in 2023:  

• Almost a third of adults (32%) were living in obesity- the highest level in the time series.
• More than a third of adults (34%) reported difficulties when visiting the dentists- up from 20% in 2019 and 23% in 2021. These difficulties include getting a suitable appointment, dental treatment being too expensive and not being able to get dental treatment under the NHS.
• 10% of adults reported feeling lonely ‘most’ or ‘all of the time’, with adults aged 16-24 and those living in the most deprived areas the most likely to report feeling like this.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

“These concerning findings should be a wake-up call to SNP ministers.

“People face a variety of healthcare challenges, from obesity to mental health to getting seen by a dentist. These challenges mirror the pressures facing our NHS, with staff stretched dangerously thin day after day.

“I want to see the Scottish Government adopting practical steps to bring down rising levels of obesity, such as supporting people in making informed choices to dodge junk food and take up exercise.

“My party have also set out plans to tackle the continuing crises in both mental health and dentistry. By delivering more support for staff, we can make sure everyone gets the care they need fast.”