Tory MSP seeks clarity on when new ventilators can be delivered

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman is facing questions over the supply of ventilators for critically-ill coronavirus patients amid calls for them to be delivered as soon as possible.

The health secretary told Holyrood’s health committee more than 1,000 of the devices, which supply oxygen, were ordered as part of her plan to boost Scottish intensive care capacity from 190 beds to between 700 and 800.

Earlier this month Ms Freeman told MSPS delivery would be “staggered” with some available by “mid-summer”.

As the NHS braces itself for a dramatic rise in cases, Tory health spokesman Miles Briggs wants the government to give precise delivery dates and will challenge Ms Freeman when Holyrood reconvenes for a day this week before the Easter recess.

Mr Briggs said. “I am seeking clarity,

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We’re working with suppliers and the Scottish Intensive Care Society. GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN

because these need to be received by the NHS as soon as possible.”

In England UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said there are 8,000 at the moment and another 8,000 on the way in the “next couple of weeks”.

Manufacturers have been told to deliver machines as soon as they are ready and not to await a full order.

A Scottish Government spokesman said officials were working to bring them to Scotland’s NHS “as soon as humanly possible”.

He added: “We’re continuing to push manufacturers on their delivery timescales and will receive these as soon as they are available.

“We’re working with suppliers, and the Scottish Intensive Care Society, to do all that we can.”

Uk-wide the NHS is reported to have just over 8,000 ventilators, of which around 300 are in Scotland. It’s estimated that 30,000 may be needed.