A&E Consultants Double Under The SNP

The SNP have highlighted that the number of healthcare staff providing emergency care to those who need it has gone up significantly since the SNP took office.

Over the festive period, the Scottish Ambulance Service expects to deal with an extra 6,000 incidents – a 20% surge in emergency calls during peak periods.

Figures released in answer to a parliamentary question have revealed that since the SNP took office, the number of paramedics has increased by 11% - up by 136 whole time equivalent (WTE) between September 2007 and September 2013 from 1,233.9 WTE to 1,369.9 WTE.

The number of emergency service technicians has also increased over the same period by 8% from 999.7 WTE to 1,084.5 WTE.

Meanwhile the number of A&E consultants has rocketed by 104% between September 2006 and September 2013, increasing from 75.8 WTE to 154.5 WTE.

Figures published in November showed that 94.8% of patients were treated in A&E departments within four hours.

Commenting, SNP MSP Aileen McLeod who sits on the Health and Sport Committee said:

“The number of paramedics, emergency service technicians and A&E consultants has gone up significantly since the SNP took office.

“Getting treated quickly when you’ve had an accident is hugely important to your care, which is why the SNP have put such priority on this area.

“The healthcare staff who provide emergency care when people have had accidents do a fantastic job, particularly at this time of year when there are increased pressures on the NHS. They deserve an enormous amount of gratitude for the vital work they do looking after us when we need it most.”