Nicola Sturgeon press conference: RECAP as Nicola Sturgeon holds briefing on Scottish NHS pressures
The First Minister will be joined by the Health Secretary at St Andrews House amid growing pressure on the health service across the country.
It is unclear exactly what the briefing will address, with a similar event held last week giving advice to members of the public of the best way to ease pressure on the NHS.
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Hide AdThe First Minister may also give an update on strike action in the NHS, after last week, the Royal College of Nursing Scotland paused a formal announcement of strike action following further talks with the Scottish Government.
Talks took place on Friday January 13 with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and RCN general secretary and chief executive, Pat Cullen.
There was also talks earlier this week that took place between the Scottish Government, the RCN, and the other trade unions currently in dispute regarding NHS pay, to consider a roadmap to resolving the dispute.
Updates as Nicola Sturgeon holds briefing on Scottish NHS pressures
Good morning and welcome to our live blog as Nicola Sturgeon, Humza Yousaf and Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Gregor Smith will hold a media briefing on winter pressures in the NHS.
Nicola Sturgeon will be addressing members of the public and media at a press conference on the state of the NHS at 11am.
Patients’ lives are being “put at risk” after figures revealed some waited almost five years for key diagnostic tests, the Scottish Conservatives say.
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Nicola Sturgeon says there has been a slight easing in some areas including a fall in calls to NHS 24 with reports of the A&E situation stabilising.
The First Minister adds waiting times are far higher than they should be.