by Bill Heaney
New Scottish Government figures released today reveal that the SNP has not turned around its mismanagement of Scotland’s NHS and care system.
Among the key data points:
- As of March 31st, around 1 in 10 people in Scotland were on at least one new outpatient, inpatient or day case waiting list
- The number of GP practices in Scotland has decreased by 8.1% in the last decade, from 958 GP practices in April 2017 to 880 GP practices in April 2026
- Only 66.4% of A&E attendees last month were seen within 4 hours; 13.8% spent more than 8 hours waiting to be seen, and 6.8% waited more than 12 hours
- As of the start of April, an estimated 7,728 people were waiting on a social care assessment for a package of care – a year-on-year increase of 23%
Scottish Liberal Democrat deputy leader Wendy Chamberlain, right, said: “The SNP have been in power for 19 years – and that’s how long many people sat in A&E today must feel like they’ve been waiting.
“Our hospitals can’t admit or discharge people on time, GPs are overwhelmed by demand, and our care system too often can’t provide for those in need. This government has had its chance to improve things, and its failure to do so is unacceptable.
“The Scottish Liberal Democrats will end the SNP’s era of underdelivery for good with a comprehensive plan to save our health and care services.
“To bring down waiting times, we will give you faster access to GPs and recruit 900 more skilled staff for local practices, expand pharmacists’ prescription powers to take pressure off doctors, and end the delayed discharges that leave hospitals overfull with people who should be at home.
“After two decades of being let down, Scotland deserves better. And wherever you are in Scotland, the Scottish Liberal Democrats are giving you the chance to vote for it on your local regional ballot.”
ENDS