Lothian MSP says more hospital beds needed to cut A&E waiting times

By Ian Swanson
Published 30th Sep 2021, 12:30 BST
Updated 30th Sep 2021, 16:58 BST
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Health bosses in Lothian are being urged to increase the number of hospital beds in a bid to ease pressures in Accident and Emergency departments.

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Lothian Tory MSP Miles Briggs said in 2012/13, NHS Lothian had an average of 2,236 available staffed beds, which had fallen to 2,058 by 2019/20.

During the pandemic hospital capacity was increased, with the average number of available staffed beds in Lothian rising to 2,137 in 2020/21.

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Delays in A&E have been blamed on a shortage of beds elsewhere in hospitalsDelays in A&E have been blamed on a shortage of beds elsewhere in hospitals