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Swinney Faces Backlash Over NHS Claims Amid Crisis

1/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Scottish Health Secretary John Swinney faced criticism for claiming NHS improvements amid alarming waiting times.
Recent data show A&E departments recorded the second worst performance on record, with 19% waiting over eight hours.
Critics, including Scottish Conservative and Liberal Democrat leaders, say SNP claims are misleading and cite poor workforce planning.
Complaints to NHS Scotland have risen, and the Scottish Government has been approached for comment.

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Story summary

Scottish Health Secretary John Swinney faced criticism for claiming NHS improvements amid alarming waiting times.
Recent data show A&E departments recorded the second worst performance on record, with 19% waiting over eight hours.
Critics, including Scottish Conservative and Liberal Democrat leaders, say SNP claims are misleading and cite poor workforce planning.
Complaints to NHS Scotland have risen, and the Scottish Government has been approached for comment.