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More than 800 deaths in Scotland linked to long A&E waits
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine links 76,510 people waiting over 12 hours in emergency departments to 818 excess deaths, highlighting calls for urgent social care investment.
- A recent report from emergency medicine experts indicates that over 800 additional deaths in Scotland are associated with prolonged waits in A&E, with 76,510 individuals experiencing delays exceeding 12 hours last year.
- This situation results from failures to meet A&E targets, a lack of credible plans by successive SNP health secretaries, and patient flow issues involving admissions and discharges.
- RCEM's manifesto, released ahead of next year's Holyrood election, urges all parties to adopt recommendations including investing in social care and ensuring adequate staffing levels.
- Dr Fiona Hunter, RCEM vice president, called the figures a 'national tragedy' and said, 'Behind this statistic are stories of heartbreak,' while Scottish Tory spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said ministers should 'hang their heads in shame.'
- Recent data shows progress with July 2025 having the lowest eight and 12-hour waits since September 2023, supported by a 21% rise in emergency medicine consultants and a £200 million investment.
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12 Articles
12 Articles
Long A&E stays linked to over 800 Scots deaths as frightening figures uncover 'national tragedy'
Tragically, the RCEM estimates 818 deaths were recorded in relation to stays of 12 hours or longer. Dr Fiona Hunter, the vice president of RCEM Scotland, said the figures laid bare a “national tragedy”.
·Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 40%
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