The dire state of Scotland’s hospitals

In hospitals, waiting lists have become so long that people have to queue for over two days to be seen. Patients are advised to avoid turning up if they can help it. Bed shortages mean people spend nights on corridor floors. Over 30 patients markedly deteriorate or even die each week as a result of delays. You could be forgiven for thinking this dire situation is unfolding in a developing country, perhaps without proper health infrastructure. It’s not: this is happening all across Scotland.

Since the pandemic, A&Es in Scotland have gone from bad to worse. Extreme wait times have increased tenfold: over 4,000 people spent more than 24 hours waiting in emergency departments over the last year. Almost 250 patients had to wait more than two full days.

Patients are following the advice of health boards – and staying away. Almost half of Scottish adults said they had avoided using NHS services when they felt unwell or needed treatment.