Nicola Sturgeon has been told delays to Scotland’s new trauma centres network “could cost lives”.
The first minister was accused of breaking her promise to the people of the north-east when she announced the units would not be completed for “at least” three years.
In 2014, the Scottish Government committed to having a centre in Aberdeen – and others in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow – operational by last year.
Ms Sturgeon then intervened the day before the Holyrood elections in May to confirm the north-east would definitely be included in the network, amid fears it could be snubbed for the central belt.
At first minister’s questions yesterday, opposition leaders launched a two-pronged attack on the SNP leader over the delay.
The Scottish Conservatives’ leader Ruth Davidson said: “The first minister admitted that they would be at least three years late and the only explanation offered was scale and complexity.
“Communities have been expecting these centres for two years and they are now being told to wait at least another three.
“I think they deserve a fuller explanation and so does this parliament.”
Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: “Earlier this year I met consultants and surgeons at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
“They told me that a new trauma centre could be the difference between life and death for people in the north-east.
“Whether it’s someone in a serious car crash or an accident on the oil rigs, having access to world class trauma care could be a lifesaver.
“The SNP’s three-year delay could cost lives.”
Ms Sturgeon said the government was taking time to “make sure we are getting it right” and releasing an extra £5million to speed up the process.
While the network itself will take “at least” three years to establish, Ms Sturgeon suggested work to prepare the health service in Aberdeen could be done in 18 months.
She added: “These improvements are underway already. Aberdeen already delivers lifesaving trauma care, the improvements that are taking place will enhance what it does, enhance what Dundee does, and Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The four trauma centres will treat an estimated 6,000 of Scotland’s seriously injured patients every year and doctors expect them to save an additional 40 lives annually.
