Angela Constance

Scotland is home to many highly skilled internationally qualified doctors who fled conflict and persecution, and who want nothing more than to use their skills to help others,”

The measure of our preparedness is not whether pressures arise, it is how effectively we respond to those pressures.

Corridor care is first and foremost distressing for patients. It is not right. It is not in their best interest.

The status quo with delayed discharge must end.

I want to be clear and transparent that we will be facing a difficult period.

Hence, we have to have a laser focus on building capacity in the community, ensuring people know which service to approach at the right time.

The bigger issue is around reducing avoidable hospital admissions.

We cannot accept corridor care

What I am absolutely clear about is that corridor care isn’t acceptable. It’s not acceptable for patients or their families.

While the vast majority of mothers receive good care, I have heard from families who were let down, and from those who have bravely shared their experiences of loss – these are powerful stories. Their experiences must shape improvement.

That is why I announced this independent review, which will sit alongside the inspections already under way of every acute maternity unit in Scotland, to identify the systemic changes needed to strengthen services and improve outcomes.

No, I am not not reappraising the clinical evidence or or the model, but I always listen very carefully to people with lived experience.

Well, I said I want to be very rigorous around getting the highest level of assurance around capacity.

The model, I believe, is the right one and it is well evidenced.

I am continuing to seek rigorous reassurance around capacity, and I'm asking boards for their detailed plans on capacity.

I’m grateful to all consultants, GPs, SAS doctors and dentists for the invaluable contribution they make to the people of Scotland in delivering safe, effective and high-quality care across our communities.

He won a historic fifth term for the SNP. He is a nationalist and a believer in independence to his core.

With respect, no, she is not correct. I have been a minister for a number of years. I’ve had the great privilege of serving all SNP first ministers and what I will say about John Swinney is that we have the best First Minister yet.

And we will ensure that this investment meets the standards required for managing public money by delivering the best possible outcomes for patients, staff and the people of Scotland.

We will do so as part of a wider transformation of care across Lanarkshire and the west of Scotland.

This is not about downgrading services.

That commitment has not changed, and it will not change.

I cannot approve it in its current form within our current financial landscape.

This Government will deliver a new Monklands Hospital. That commitment has not changed, and it will not change.