THE NUMBER of staffed beds in Scotland’s hospitals has fallen by 1,500 since the SNP took office in 2007.
Figures released by NHS Scotland’s Information Services Division yesterday revealed there were 16,699 available beds in the quarter to the end of March, a 0.5% fall from the previous three months.
Scottish Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie said around six beds have been lost each week over the past five years.
She said: “Despite the SNP promises to protect the NHS budget and not to centralise services, we’ve seen the number of hospital beds cut by almost 1,500 since they took power in 2007.
“That’s almost six beds every week the SNP have been in government; and the rate is increasing, with almost 230 beds cut in the three months to September.”
But Scottish Government health secretary Alex Neil said: “Patients are now being treated faster than ever, in a way that suits them best no one wants to be stuck in hospital for longer than they need to be.
“The reduction in bed numbers reflects the change in the way services are being delivered, for example NHS delivered its 80% same day surgery target last year and also with more patients now being cared for in the community and by primary care services.”