SCOTTISH Labour has slammed SNP “mishandling” of the NHS as numbers of serious adverse patient care incidents rise by 55 per cent in four years.

The numbers of incidents — defined as an incident which could have or did cause harm to a patient, staff member, or visitor — had grown from 533 in 2020, to 824 in 2024, according to information released to the party under freedom of information.

A breakdown found that reviews in gynaecology and neonatal services more than doubled over the same period growing from eight to 21 and 13 to 27 respectively, while in maternity/obstetrics it climbed from 44 to 65.

In total, there were over 3,600 reviews across NHS Scotland’s health boards over the last four years.

Scottish Labour’s deputy leader and health spokesperson Dame Jackie Baillie said: “These figures are a snapshot of the pressures staff and patients alike are under due to the SNP’s mishandling of our NHS.

“The failure to tackle delayed discharge is turning hospitals into pressure cookers with thousands of Scots each week spending more than 12 hours in A&E.

“Meanwhile, front-line teams are stretched to their limit with no relief in sight given the SNP’s failure to recruit and retain staff.

“The SNP must urgently look into this alarming trend and ensure that lessons are learned.”

SNP Health Secretary Neil Gray responded: “Patient safety is our first priority and our thoughts are with everyone affected by these incidents. 

“We are committed to transparency, improving standards, and learning lessons when something goes wrong.

“We know that staff members work tirelessly to provide excellent care to all those who need it and as always, I’d like to thank them for their continued dedication.”