Scot Lib Dems reveal patients enduring almost two day waits at A&E

Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Strathkelvin & Bearsden Adam Harley has today accused the SNP of “heaping unbearable pressure” on our health service as he revealed that patients have had to endure waits of more than 47 hours at A&E.

A Scottish Liberal Democrat freedom of information asked every health board to provide the longest A&E waiting times in each of the past five years.

The data provided by health boards shows that in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, patients have had to wait more than 47 hours in A&E for care, the equivalent of almost two days.

Longest waiting times have increased in most health boards between 2021/22 and 2024/25.

Strathkelvin & Bearsden candidate Adam Harley said:

“The clue is in the name of an emergency department - these people shouldn't be waiting days to be seen.

“The SNP’s failures are heaping unbearable pressure on our NHS. From speaking with A&E staff, I know they are as frustrated as anyone about having to treat patients on trolleys or in the back of ambulances.

"There are not enough beds in A&E because there are no longer the beds in longer-term wards to move people to.

"Too many beds in longer-term wards are occupied by people medically ready to leave but who can’t because there are not enough care workers or care packages to enable them to go home. You cannot bring down these catastrophic waits in A&E without fixing social care.

“Only the Scottish Liberal Democrats have a plan to properly invest in care, raise wages and make it a profession of choice.

“You can vote for that plan in May by backing me to be your next MSP. Our canvassing shows that it is a two horse race: more of the same with the SNP or change with fairness at its heart with the Scottish Liberal Democrats.”