Scottish Conservative public health spokesperson Brian Whittle MSP described the troubles with NHS Ayrshire and Arran as a reflection of the SNP’s wider governance.
“Waiting lists are through the roof and A&E waiting times at hospitals such as Ayr and Crosshouse have skyrocketed on the SNP’s watch,” he said.
“Ministers are presiding over a permanent crisis in our NHS despite the best efforts of frontline staff who are doing their best for patients.
“John Swinney and Neil Gray must accept their approach is failing miserably. They must adopt our bold plans to slash bureaucracy and surge resources to the frontline if NHS Ayrshire and Arran are to get out of this crisis.”
Trade union Unison said the problems were due to ongoing difficulties with social care.
The union’s Scotland health lead Matt McLaughlin said: “The health board is forced to spend tens of thousands of pounds daily on delayed discharges and that’s down to the Scottish government’s failure to tackle the crisis in social care.
“The significant problems in NHS Ayrshire and Arran can’t be fixed until hundreds of vacant health service jobs are filled and there’s better support for staff working flat out to provide care to their patients.”
