Operations activity stagnating below pre-pandemic levels

Responding to Public Health Scotland figures published today which show that the number of planned operations is still falling short of pre-pandemic levels, with 14.7% fewer operations planned between January and December 2024 than were planned in the first 12 months prior to the pandemic, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:  

“This SNP government is failing patients.

“These figures are evidence of the dangerous backlogs and pressures across the NHS. Thousands are now being left to wait in pain, not knowing when they will receive the operation they need and fearing it may never come.

“We urgently need to address the backlog and support staff, but it’s clear this government lacks the understanding or creativity to do so.”