A study by NHS Lanarkshire medics suggests that overcrowded A&E departments are causing delays elsewhere in Scotland’s NHS, particularly by contributing to cancelled or postponed operations. Researchers warn that beds and resources intended for planned treatment are being redirected towards emergency care, creating a wider crisis in waiting times.

Scotland recorded a monthly A&E attendance record of 129,453 in May, while only 65% of patients were treated within four hours in July, against the 95% target that has not been met since June 2020. The study examined data from five major health boards in 2021 and found that areas with more A&E breaches generally had longer waits for general surgery; 2,214 operations were cancelled in July. Health Secretary Angela Constance called long waits unacceptable and said a new national plan aims to improve access to care.