SNP Failure Blamed for Woman's Death After Ambulance Delay

First Minister John Swinney has been confronted with the "human cost of SNP failure" following the death of a 55-year-old woman who waited hours for an ambulance. Dame Jackie Baillie, acting Scottish Labour leader, accused Swinney of "dishonesty" and "broken promises" regarding ambulance wait times.

The case in question involved Julie Parker, who collapsed in her Kilmarnock bathroom in June. Police discovered her and called for emergency assistance. However, an ambulance did not arrive for nearly four hours, and Ms. Parker was pronounced dead at Crosshouse Hospital.

During First Minister's Questions, Baillie stated that police had called 999 and subsequently called again when no ambulance appeared. "It took four hours for an ambulance to arrive, but by then it was too late. She was just 55-years-old. That is the human cost of SNP failure," Baillie said, questioning when Swinney would acknowledge the consequences of his government's actions.

Swinney acknowledged that Ms. Parker's treatment was "unacceptable" and confirmed that Health Secretary Angela Constance would meet with the family following a review of the case. He described the situation as an "unacceptable example of healthcare promise" and vowed to learn lessons and focus on improvements. "We try to ensure that we deliver the improvements that are necessary, and the Health Secretary will engage with Julie Parker’s family to discuss this issue," Swinney added, extending condolences to the family.

Swinney confirmed he had read the transcript of the 999 call made by police officers, calling it "profoundly disturbing" and stating it "requires to be examined." The Daily Record reported that police had informed the ambulance service that Ms. Parker had been lying on her bathroom floor for two to three days, with concerns about the color of her legs.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance Service stated that they extend their deepest condolences to Ms. Parker's family and that the case is being reviewed jointly with NHS Ayrshire and Arran as part of a Significant Adverse Event Review (SAER). The service has also contacted the family to offer a private meeting.