The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Health secretary apologises
Humza Yousaf admitted he would not want his children to have to wait long periods for NHS treatment.
After news emerged that more than 750,000 people are waiting for an outpatient appointment and A&E waiting times hit a record low, the health secretary told the Daily Record: “I spend every waking moment trying to resolve the issues of the health service.
“I will leave no stone unturned as long as I am in this role to ensure we get the necessary investment our health and social care systems require to provide you with the standard of care you deserve.”
He continued: “If you or a family member have waited for an ambulance too long, waited for treatment for too long, I am sorry.”
He may also have to contend with strike action in the NHS workforce over the coming months if his “best and final” pay offer is not accepted by unions.
According to the Scottish Government, the deal would mean NHS workers in Scotland would remain the best-paid in the UK, and workers would get pay rises ranging from £2,205 to £2,751.
For the lowest paid, it would be a rise of 11.3%, with an average increase of 7.5%.
Mr Yousaf said strikes would be “really catastrophic” for the health service, adding that other emergency services could be drafted in to help.
Elective surgeries and treatments, he added, could be stopped to help ease the pressure during any action.
“We can’t stop people having heart attacks and strokes – the only valve we have is elective care and reducing that or slowing that down,” he said.
Scottish Tory health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: “Saying sorry is merely paying lip service to the ever-deepening NHS crisis unfolding on his watch.
“He’s a record-breaker for all the wrong reasons.
“The worst-ever A&E waiting times, record numbers languishing on waiting lists, the highest-ever number of beds being occupied because of delayed discharge and dwindling GP numbers.”
He concluded by reiterating his call for the first minister to sack Mr Yousaf.