SNP has ‘weakened the NHS’, Jackie Baillie warns after critical report

Jackie Baillie has accused the SNP of having “weakened the NHS” following the publication of a critical report by the public sector watchdog.

Audit Scotland has said in a fresh report that the government has no clear plan for NHS reform, while commitments to reducing waiting lists have not been met and the number of people remaining in hospital because their discharge has been delayed is the highest on record.

Speaking in parliament, health secretary Neil Gray said he agreed with the report that “major reform is required to ensure sustainable health and care services”.

But he insisted his government was “already making progress” in responding to the challenges raised, and pointed to conversations with doctors, patients and other health professionals about pushing reform further.

But Labour’s deputy leader said the public had “lost trust in this government” to take the action required to support the NHS.

She said: “Not only do the SNP have no clear vision for the NHS, they have no plan. After 17 years, the SNP have weakened the NHS. There has been no effective reform.”

And Tory MSP Brian Whittle, who lodged an urgent question on the report, accused the government of “limitless promises bringing little change”.

Gray said the Scottish budget – to be delivered by the finance secretary on Wednesday – would “set out a clear direction of travel” on reform.

He added the budget would “throw the weight of the government behind performance improvement”, and challenged Labour to back the measures to ensure the NHS was provided with the resources it needs.

The auditor general said the government needs a delivery plan that clearly sets out to the public how it will reform the health service and address the existing pressures.  

The independent auditor described ministers’ vision for health and social care as "not clear” on how operational pressures on the NHS will be addressed or how reform will be prioritised. 

It said it must work with NHS staff, partners and the public to set out a clear delivery plan and make difficult decisions about how it may reform or potentially end some services.