Thousands wait for hours in A&E: The SNP's new normal

Responding to new figures showing that only 63% of patients were seen across Scotland within the 4 hour target, Liberal Democrat Scottish Affairs spokesperson Christine Jardine said:

“Michael Matheson may have replaced Humza Yousaf as Health Secretary but it seems like agonisingly long waits for patients are now the SNP's new normal.

“It's disheartening that this government has already shown it would rather prioritise independence than the NHS. Patients and staff alike being taken for granted by a government that is tired and out of ideas.

"We need to see urgent action from Michael Matheson to avoid the crisis in our A&E departments becoming more acute than ever. That should start by dropping his government's opposition to our constructive proposals such as an urgent inquiry into the hundreds of avoidable deaths linked to the emergency care crisis, a burnout prevention strategy and a health and social care staff assembly."