Figures suggesting more than 800 people died last year from long A&E waits is “challenging information”, the First Minister has said.

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) – which represents staff in emergency departments across Scotland – has estimated 818 people died last year as a result of having waited more than 12 hours in hospital.

The body used a mortality ratio which estimated one in every 72 long waits would result in death.

John Swinney was pressed on the issue at First Minister’s Questions on Thursday by Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who said: “That is over 800 families grieving a loved one.

“Why, year after year, is this happening under this SNP Government?”

The First Minister expressed his “regret” at deaths in A&E, adding: “I accept that people are waiting too lon

See Full Page