The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Sturgeon apologises to patients for delays
FM and health secretary say winter has put huge strain on Scotland’s health services
The First Minister and health secretary have apologised to patients who have faced delays for treatment as a result of winter strain on the health service.
Nicola Sturgeon said NHS Scotland was dealing with “exceptional” pressures but was coping despite difficult circumstances.
Health Secretary Shona Robison defended the Scottish Government’s flu vaccination programme after ministers were accused of failing to act on warnings.
Latest figures show the number of people suffering from flu in Scotland has more than doubled compared to the same time last year, with about half of NHS boards reporting significant ward pressure as a result.
Ms Sturgeon told BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme: “I would apologise unreservedly not just during the winter but at any time of the year to any patient who is not seen as quickly as we would want them to be seen in the NHS or who doesn’t get the treatment that they have a right to expect.
“We have seen exceptional pressures this winter largely due to the increase in flu cases but also, particularly in the period immediately before Christmas, weather-related pressures, but the hard work, the incredible hard work, the incredible teamwork, of the staff of the NHS – and I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them – means that our NHS is coping in very, very difficult circumstances.”
Ms Robison, speaking during a visit to Perth Royal Infirmary’s A&E department, said: “Any patient waiting longer than they should to be seen and treated within the NHS, I would apologise for that, but I think the public understand that we are in exceptional circumstances here and I have had lots of messages from the public saying staff, in the face of huge pressures and challenges, have done a tremendous job.”
Provisional figures suggest uptake of the flu vaccine is similar to last winter.
Ms Sturgeon said early information suggests rates have increased slightly among NHS staff, with less than 50% vaccinated last year.
The Scottish Conservatives have argued ministers should have done more to boost uptake.
Ms Robison said: “There was a really robust, big campaign to promote vaccination, in the same way as we have done in previous years, not just for the public but health and social care staff as well.
“We can’t force people to get the vaccination, all we can do is promote and encourage, and we used every communication channel possible to get that message across.”
Winter pressures are expected to be reflected again in A&E waiting-time figures, the health secretary added.
The number of patients seen within the target four-hour waiting time was well below the 95% target in the weeks before Christmas.
Weekly statistics due to be published today will cover the period between Christmas and New Year.
Ms Robison said: “The week we have just seen ... was one of the most challenging weeks.”