Buildings are in a bad state of health

THE NHS are under constant pressure to keep up with our ageing population and demand for more expensive treatment.

It’s only natural the focus will be on patient care and targets.

But behind the frontline, Scotland’s health estate is creaking at the seams.

And the full extent of the massive repair backlog is a cause for real alarm.

The list of defects being stored up across Scotland ranges from failing medical equipment to simple jobs like a faulty door.

There are missing fire alarms, obsolete equipment, broken ventilation systems.

The price tag is approaching £1billion at a time when public services are under assault from Tory austerity and a Scottish Government reluctant to push tax any higher.

Responsibility lies not just with whoever is in charge now – this is a legacy of underfunding.

Patients are still being wheeled into Victorian buildings insulated with horse hair.

Ancient boilers are creaking their last and wiring needs to be completely replaced.

Even when huge sums of money are spent, the results can be worrying. The two windows that shattered and fell at Glasgow’s new superhospital are testament to that.

The Health Secretary has endured a torrid time in recent years trying to explain why tough targets were missed in A&E.

Bed blocking, cancer treatment, children’s mental health services – they all cost money and need serious investment.

But hospital treatment also requires wellfunded, well-built infrastructure. The SNP say they are investing, but this is a historic problem that clearly needs a renewed focus. For the sake of safety, this is one to-do list that cannot be put off any longer.