Responding to comments made by the former chairman of NHS Lothian Brian Houston, criticising the behaviour of Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“For a senior health official to come out and accuse the Cabinet Secretary of lying is incredibly serious.

“Jeane Freeman should come to Parliament to address Mr Houston’s allegations. We are facing a series of escalating public health crises. The public need to be assured that ministers and health bosses are pulling in the same direction.

“The bottom line is that we have a hospital opening a year late. That remains hugely concerning to the patients of NHS Lothian and challenging for staff who were hoping for upgraded facilities by now.”