More than 180k wait over 8 hours at A&E in 2024

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton has called for measures to address burnout among NHS staff as new figures reveal more than 180,000 people waited more than 8 hours at A&E in 2024, the worst on record.

Analysis of monthly A&E figures show that 182,687 Scots waited more than 8 hours to be seen in 2024, with the year being the worst on record at A&E on all waiting times metrics.

Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

"A&E has been stuck in a state of near permanent crisis for far too long, and each year it is getting worse. 2024 saw a staggering 180,000 Scots spend over 8 hours stuck at A&E.

"Staff have been sounding the alarm for years over the conditions in our NHS, but this SNP Government has failed to give them the beds and safe staffing levels they need.

"The SNP have also failed to fix the crisis in care to help people leave hospital on time, that's why more and more people are stuck in A&E for hours on end.

"Scottish Liberal Democrats would bring forward measures to address burnout among staff and help people leave hospital on time with a care package through a new UK-wide minimum wage for care workers that is £2 higher."