THE SNP government must act before hospitals become “death traps for the frail,” Scottish Labour has warned, after more than a quarter of a million patient falls were recorded in just five years.

Freedom of information data obtained by Scottish Labour shows that at least 266,573 patient falls took place between 2019 and 2024.

Nine out of Scotland’s 14 health boards recorded an increase in falls, with NHS Orkney reporting a 75 per cent rise, and NHS Dumfries hospitals recording a one-third increase.

Standard hospital guidance recommends avoiding clutter, carrying out individual risk assessments, and ensuring that patients at risk have a clear route to the toilet.

Last year, the Scottish government froze plans to build new hospitals, treatment centres and surgeries, citing budget pressures.

Scottish Labour’s health spokeswoman Dame Jackie Baillie said: “These figures should be a warning of how easily Scotland’s crumbling hospitals can become a deathtrap for the frail.

“With long queues at A&E and out-of-date hospitals, hard-working NHS staff are already stretched to breaking point.

“The SNP must act now to ensure that patients don’t come to unnecessary harm because of the condition of the estate or overcrowding.”

The Scottish government was approached for comment.