Liberal Democrats have raised concerns that health professionals are being pressured to override clinical judgement to meet targets.

The 2010 Audit Scotland Report on emergency departments found that more than 50% of emergency staff feel they are forced to admit, move to inappropriate locations or discharge patients based on bureaucratic targets, rather than adequate clinical assessment.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Public Health spokesperson Jamie Stone MSP said:

“The figures present a worrying picture of hospital priorities.

“This report suggests that targets are taking precedence over clinical judgement.

“70% of staff feel that there is not always enough time to adequately assess or stabilise patients before they are discharged or moved. This is unacceptable.

“Admitting patients just to meet a target is an expensive cheat and the prospect of clinicians discharging patients just to meet time-targets is frightening.

“The Health Secretary needs to investigate this survey thoroughly to make sure that patient care is not being compromised by Government targets.”