Sharp rise in people ‘languishing’ in A&E - Lamont

THE number of patients left waiting for treatment in accident and emergency wards in hospitals has trebled in parts of Scotland, Labour leader Johann Lamont claimed at First Minister’s questions today.

Johann Lamont claims Salmond is promoting independence at the expense of improving the country's NHS. Picture: Jane Barlow

Ms Lamont claimed there has been a sharp rise in the number of people “languishing” in accident and emergency wards as they wait to be cared for.

She told Alex Salmond that in areas such as Glasgow the numbers waiting more than four hours for treatment in accident and emergency - the national target - had trebled.

Ms Lamont claimed that the SNP leader was promoting independence at the expense of improving Scotland’s National Health Service.

She said: “Under Salmond Scotland lies on a trolley, while the referendum is in intensive care.”

However, Mr Salmond claimed that Labour had wanted to cut spending on hospitals as he said “overall treatment time waiting is improving”.