A recent report from Healthcare Improvement Scotland which found that single patient rooms at DGRI are being routinely used for two people, is a “serious concern” according to South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth.

However, the MSP said that the findings from inspectors, who visited unannounced in March when the hospital was a 100% capacity, will not come as a big surprise to local people.

Colin Smyth also praised staff, who were commended by inspectors for their work.

Colin Smyth said: “Unfortunately, as anyone who lives in the region knows, this report from Healthcare Improvement Scotland is not as shocking as it once would have been.

“Local people have grown used to hearing that the hospital is at capacity, so the findings of the inspectors are sadly unsurprising.

“However, that doesn’t mean the routine use of single occupancy rooms for two people is not concerning. The hospital’s rooms were built specifically for one person only.

“I was pleased to see the report praised our fantastic NHS staff – they are doing all they can to cope with the pressures, but they are often completely overwhelmed.

“One of the main problems for the NHS remains delayed discharge, which impacts all aspects of hospital care, and as a result every month we learn that hundreds of people across the region are waiting too long for treatment.

“Patient and staff wellbeing is at risk and lives are being lost.

“The Scottish Government must end delayed discharge and invest further in primary care to tackle illnesses before they get serious. Health inequalities are widening under the SNP’s watch, and they must tackle these issues head on.”