South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has commented on the news from NHS Dumfries and Galloway about the serious funding deficit facing the health board.

The health board released a statement released this week which said that health and social care services in the region are facing a £58 million funding shortfall this year and “despite identifying more than £25 million in potential savings, a gap of £32.7 million remains”.

Responding to the news, Colin Smyth said: “While our situation can be seen replicated in health boards across Scotland, it is still hugely concerning for Dumfries and Galloway.

“Most people know that to make savings of this magnitude, services will suffer.

“With waiting lists sky rocketing, our A&E department overrun, and delayed discharge continuing to pose huge problems, there is an urgent need to ramp up activity, but our health service simply cannot cope.

“Services are at breaking point, staff are exhausted and demoralised, and patients are being put at risk – but while our NHS was buckling under pressure, the Scottish Government has failed to recognise the scale of the problem.

“We must deal with the crisis in our NHS by tackling delayed discharge, supporting staff and delivering a real catch-up plan.”