Understand
Emergency doctor completely terrified of looming winter pressures on Scotland's NHS
Overview
Dr Fiona Hunter, vice chair of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Scotland, has warned that emergency departments are providing unsafe levels of care due to a 'toxic normalisation' of corridor care, with some patients spending up to 72 hours on trolleys. Health Secretary Angela Constance acknowledged that the upcoming winter will be difficult and stated that corridor care is unacceptable, while local government representatives highlighted significant budget gaps and the need for investment in social care.
Key points
- Dr Fiona Hunter stated she is completely terrified of winter pressures on Scotland's NHS, warning of unsafe care levels and a toxic normalisation of corridor care.
- Some patients are reportedly spending up to 72 hours on trolleys in hospital corridors, which Dr Hunter noted can lead to excess mortality.
- Health Secretary Angela Constance admitted the winter will be difficult but insisted that corridor care cannot be accepted.
- Constance outlined priorities to reduce avoidable hospital admissions and improve patient flow through hospitals.
- Councillor Paul Kelly from Cosla highlighted a budget gap in health and social care partnerships and called for urgent investment in social care to address delayed discharges.