Summary
John Swinney, Scotland's first minister, stated that there is no quick solution to address long NHS wait times, but the government is working to expand healthcare capacity. He acknowledged public frustration with delayed treatments, notably highlighting an eight-year-old girl's postponed surgery, and emphasized ongoing efforts to improve patient care. Additionally, Swinney discussed the importance of a constructive approach to immigration to bolster Scotland's workforce.
Key Facts
- John Swinney said there is no "shortcut" to reduce NHS wait times in Scotland.
- As of June, about one in nine people in Scotland is on an NHS waiting list.
- Swinney highlighted a specific case of an eight-year-old girl whose surgery was delayed by 18 months.
- The Scottish government aims to increase hospital capacity and the number of operations.
- The Royal College of Emergency Medicine linked over 800 deaths last year to long A&E waits.
- Swinney wants to avoid a doctors' strike and plans to work with the British Medical Association.
- He advocated for embracing migration to help grow Scotland's working-age population.
