FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have apologised to patients who were caught up in lengthy delays at emergency departments over Christmas and New Year.

Ms Sturgeon said the NHS in Scotland was dealing with “exceptional” pressures but was coping despite difficult circumstances.

Speaking on Monday, she said: “I would apologise unreservedly not just during the winter but at any time of the year to any patient who is not seen as quickly as we would want them to be seen in the NHS or who doesn’t get the treatment that they have a right to expect.

“We have seen exceptional pressures this winter, largely due to the increase in flu cases but also, particularly in the period immediately before Christmas, weather-related pressures, but the hard work, the incredible hard work, the incredible teamwork, of the staff of the NHS – and I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them – means that our NHS is coping in very, very difficult circumstances.”

Meanwhile, the health chief for Greater Glasgow and Clyde has apologised to patients caught up in lengthy delays at hospital emergency departments over the festive period.

Jane Grant, chief executive of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said they accepted a number of patients had waited longer than they would have liked.

She added: “This is due to the high level of demand and we apologise to those patients who experienced lengthy waits.

“When our patients are kept waiting for admission to hospital they are still receiving care from our doctors and nurses.”

Ms Grant said the health board had planned for winter pressures by creating extra capacity - such as extra in-patient beds at Gartnavel General Hospital and restricting staff holidays.

“Our winter plan is designed to create extra resilience and enable us to respond to these additional pressures and open additional in-patient beds where appropriate. These winter beds are currently being used.

“At this busy time we are reminding people to use their emergency services appropriately – for example go to our minor injury units and use the expertise of pharmacists where possible and only to use emergency departments for serious injuries and major emergencies.

“Our minor injuries units at West Glasgow, Stobhill, Victoria and Vale of Leven Hospitals are the best place for the rapid treatment of minor injuries, including sprains and cuts and broken bones.

“For minor ailments, patients should go to their pharmacy and our GP out of hours service is also fully operational.

“Our staff are working very hard to ensure patients attending all our hospitals are treated as quickly as possible.”