Almost 300,000 falls recorded in hospitals in five years, figures show

Almost 300,000 falls have been recorded in Scottish hospitals in the past five years, new figures show.

Figures released to Scottish Labour through freedom of information legislation showed 282,385 patient falls in Scotland between 2019 and 2025.

It said that in nine out of Scotland’s 14 health boards falls were on the rise.

Patient falls rose 75% in NHS Orkney while in hospitals overseen by NHS Dumfries they rose by a third.

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “Falls can be life-changing for older and more vulnerable patients — these figures should be a warning of how easily Scotland’s crumbling hospitals can become a death-trap for the frail.

“With long queues at A&E and out-of-date hospitals, hard-working NHS staff are already stretched to breaking point.

“The SNP must act now to ensure that patients don’t come to unnecessary harm because of the condition of the estate or overcrowding.

“Our NHS needs a new direction — a Scottish Labour government will modernise our hospitals and ensure they are fit for the future.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “Patient safety is paramount and Scottish ministers are committed to ensuring all health and care is safe, effective and patient-centred.

“In 2025-26, NHS boards received increased investment in their baseline funding, bringing total investment to over £16.2 billion.

“And the Scottish Government’s Budget is providing more than £1 billion in capital investment, with £140 million additional funding targeted at high-risk areas of maintenance and repair of the existing estate, equipment and digital replacement.