Commenting on the Scottish Audit of Surgical Mortality report, which showed that alcohol abuse was a factor in the deaths of one in 15 patients who died in hospitals last year while under the care of surgeons, Liberal Democrat Health spokesperson Ross Finnie MSP said:

“This is a reminder of the knock on consequences of Scotland’s drinking culture. Alcohol abuse can make even the most routine surgery riskier.

“The Health Secretary should respond to this report immediately by issuing renewed guidelines to health professionals to make sure that those who come in for surgery are fully aware of the increased risks that come with alcohol abuse.”