Jackie Baillie has warned the SNP Government that moving the goalposts in order to massage waiting times figures is not the answer to the NHS crisis in Scotland.

Humza Yousaf announced earlier this week that waiting times would be addressed by ensuring those who have waited two years will be seen by the end of August and set other targets stretching to March next year.

The Scottish Government have said appointments will be offered at new National Treatment Centres as they become operational and at the Golden Jubilee in Clydebank.

Earlier this year, Jackie Baillie asked Humza Yousaf to consider using spare theatre space at the Vale of Leven Hospital to tackle ever-increasing waiting lists.

At the time, the Cabinet Secretary said Ms Baillie was “absolutely right” that opportunities at sites such as the Vale should be explored.

Dumbarton constituency MSP Jackie Baillie said: “After months of failure to tackle the crisis in the NHS, Humza Yousaf has decided to move the goalposts in order to massage the figures.

“The facts are clear – waiting lists are soaring, A&E is in disarray and staff are burned out.

“Only substantial action to support staff will help save lives – not setting the bar lower and lower. This is not the answer to the NHS crisis we are currently experiencing in Scotland.

“It has taken the Cabinet Secretary far too long to act and my constituents are among those worst affected. I have made calls to use theatre space at the Vale of Leven and to maximise use of the Golden Jubilee Hospital before. Only now are some of these options being explored. It is disappointing it has taken so long while people wait in agony for surgery.”