Shona Robison ‘has lost control’ of the NHS

Health secretary Shona Robison has “lost control” of the NHS amid growing concerns over an accident and emergency (A&E) “crisis” and cancelled operations, opposition politicians said ­yesterday.

Labour claim Robison has lost control of her department. Picture: John Devlin

She accused Labour of exaggerating problems in emergency departments and demanded an apology over “wrongful” claims from Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy about the situation for operations.

Medical leaders have warned that the health service is facing “unsustainable” pressures, amid staffing shortfalls during the annual winter surge.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said last week the government was looking into publishing weekly A&E figures – 24 hours after Ms Robison rejected such calls. Weekly publication was confirmed this week.

“Decisions are being taken about health which Shona Robison has no control over whatsoever,” Labour health spokeswoman Jenny Marra told MSPs yesterday. “The First Minister is intervening where necessary to clean up the mess.”