NHS services may need to face the axe

Watchdog slams failure of leadership

- PAUL HUTCHEON

EXPERTS have warned that SNP Ministers may have to withdraw some health services to meet NHS targets.

Audit Scotland said "difficult decisions" are needed as the NHS struggles with rising costs.

First Minister John Swinney said the NHS is his Government's top priority in tomorrow's Budget.

But one in six Scots are languishing on waiting lists and patients are complaining about the time it takes to see a GP.

In its latest report, Audit Scotland flagged up the pressures on the health service, including rising costs, paused investment and "growing demand".

Auditor General for Scotland Stephen Boyle said: "Scotland's NHS is still struggling to deliver care in a timely way, most waiting times standards are not being met.