The Health Secretary must act now to strengthen NHS 24, as statistics have shown that the service has been plunged into disarray.

Statistics obtained by Scottish Labour have shown that thousands of calls to the helpline have been abandoned this winter and that average waiting times have skyrocketed.

The statistics show that, between October 2021 to January 2022, 25% or more of daily calls to NHS 24 were abandoned on several occasions, with at least 25% of calls abandoned on every day between the 18^th of December and the 5^th of January.

Shockingly, on the 3^rd of January, very nearly half of all calls (49.7%) were abandoned, accounting for over 7,000 abandoned calls on that day alone.

Alongside high numbers of abandoned calls, waiting times have also soared.

Between the 1^st of October 2021 and the 16^th of January 2022, maximum waits of over one hour were recorded on a shocking 62 separate days. As recently as 16 January 2022, someone waited 2 hours and 21 mins for their call to be answered.

Scottish Labour has said that these shocking statistics are proof of the SNP’s complete failure to support NHS 24 during the most critical period of the NHS winter crisis.

NHS24 is supposed to be a crucial first port of call for those in need of emergency or out of hours healthcare, helping direct patients to the most appropriate service but these figures cast doubt on the services ability to support patients and relieve pressure from out of hours GP or A&E services.

Today, Scottish Labour is calling on Humza Yousaf to get his house in order and support NHS 24 to ensure further lives are not put on the line.

Commenting, Scottish Labour health spokesperson Jackie Baillie said: “These damning statistics are clear – the SNP’s failure to support NHS 24 has led to thousands of Scots missing out on medical help.

“Throughout the winter A&E services, NHS 24 and ambulance services have been in crisis but Humza Yousaf has looked the other way.

“Staff have worked tirelessly, but with thousands of Scots in need being left hanging on the telephone it is clear that greater support is needed.

“This is unacceptable. Lives are being lost now because of the SNP’s failure to support NHS staff.

“Winter is far from over – Humza Yousaf must stop turning his back on the staff of our NHS and those in need and act to support services.”