NHS continues to face ‘significant’ pressures, says Health Secretary

Scotland’s NHS is still facing “significant” winter pressures, the Health Secretary has said.

The Scottish Government has convened a number of meetings on NHS winter preparedness in recent weeks, chaired by First Minister John Swinney to plot a way through.

But usual increases in seasonal illnesses – including unexpectedly high numbers of influenza A – as well as increased demand on the ambulance service, has seen the health service struggle.

Health Secretary Neil Gray has thanked staff working in the health service over the festive period, as well as the public for seeking different forms of care to stem pressures.

“The NHS continues to face significant winter pressures, including cases of Influenza A, which remain very high,” he said.

“I am enormously grateful to all those working in health and social care settings for their extraordinary efforts over the busy festive period.

“I was encouraged to hear about the collaborative working right across the system, with strong leadership and staff supporting each other.

“I want to thank the public, too, for taking heed of messages about accessing the right care in the right place, and taking steps to help slow the spread of infection.

“It is important for everyone to be familiar with the different resources available, including NHS Inform’s online tools that can help you to get appropriate health advice as quickly as possible.”

The Health Secretary added that all those eligible for vaccinations should take up the offer.

Statistics released last week showed levels of flu in Scotland were at an “extraordinary” level, impacting 50.1 people per 100,000 of the population.

Some 98% of positive lab tests were found to be influenza A, while there was a 65% rise in the number of hospital admissions due to the illness in the week up to December 22 compared to the previous week.