Nicola Sturgeon warns hospitals in Scotland are 'almost full' as NHS faces 'worst winter ever'
Nicola Sturgeon has warned hospitals in Scotland are "almost completely full" as the NHS endures its "worst winter ever".
The health service is struggling to deal with a rising number of winter flu cases as well as a backlog in treatments caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The First Minister said: "In addition to Covid, the country has been experiencing extraordinary levels of winter flu - more than 1,000 patients were admitted to hospital with flu during each of the last two weeks."She continued: "Last Wednesday hospital bed occupancy across Scotland exceeded 95 per cent. For context at the same stage in 2020, before the pandemic struck, occupancy was around 87 per cent.
She said: "I can confirm that we will be providing immediate extra funding to health and social care partnerships to support the booking of additional care home beds for patients to be discharged to while their care packages are being finalised. The MSP added: "Staff are exhausted, services are at breaking point and patients are dying – but the First Minister spent more time making excuses than setting out solutions.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Railway strikes bring weekend disruption in ScotlandUK-wide industrial action by the RMT union will affect ScotRail services on Saturday and Sunday.
Read more »
Railway strikes bring weekend disruption in ScotlandUK-wide industrial action by the RMT union will affect ScotRail services on Saturday and Sunday.
Read more »
Scotland faces 'stark choice' between independence and remaining in the UKAngus Robertson said the Scottish Government would continue setting out its case for independence despite plans for an IndyRef2 being quashed by the Supreme Court.
Read more »
Former Lions star Scotland dies aged 86Ken Scotland, who represented Scotland at cricket and rugby, has died aged 86, Scottish Rugby has announced.
Read more »
Ruth Wishart: Scotland can lead the way by weaning ourselves off this soap opera'We would not only do ourselves a favour if Scotland becomes a republic, but, oddly, also rescue the Windsors from their wholly unnatural lifestyle' // ruth_wishart
Read more »
Glasgow restaurant to host night for Diabetes Scotland in honour of late chefThe Gannet is hosting a night in honour of 'friend and colleague' Ross McComish to raise awareness for Type I diabetes after his tragic passing at…
Read more »