Sturgeon to host pandemic-style TV update on NHS crisis

NICOLA STURGEON will resurrect her Covid-era TV briefings this morning to try to stop claims that she has gone into hiding during an NHS crisis that doctors say is “absolutely” killing patients.

The First Minister will address “NHS pressures” at a televised press conference, after criticism over her Government’s choice of independence as the priority issue for debate tomorrow.

The most recent data show almost 300 people a day wait 12 hours or longer in Scottish A&E departments. Asked if patients were dying directly because of the crisis, Dr Lailah Peel, deputy chairman of the British Medical Association in Scotland, said: “Absolutely, there’s no shadow of a doubt that is happening.”

♦ The Scottish Catholic Church has urged members to cut back on leisure spending and donate to churches. It said parishes are facing a “perfect storm” of dwindling congregations, rising costs and the pandemic.