Disaster for SNP as people die younger in Scotland than anywhere else in Western Europe (Image: Getty Images)

       SNP faces another crisis as Scotland's health is deteriorating, with its population experiencing shorter lifespans compared to any other Western European nation, it has been reported.

       Paul Johnston, chief executive of Public Health Scotland, called for a preventative approach to be taken, saying the burden of disease from an ageing population is likely to grow, reports Scottish Daily Express.

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       He made the above observations in an article for the think tank Reform Scotland discussing the NHS.

       Mr. Johnston noted that people in Scotland have shorter lifespans than those in any other Western European country.

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       He also mentioned that the gap in life expectancy between the wealthiest and the poorest is widening.

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       Moreover, life expectancy improvements in Scotland halted around 2014 to 2016, with the latest data indicating a decline.

       The PHS chief executive said the health service cannot deal with the issue alone and wide-ranging improvements around poverty, work, education, housing and other areas are needed.

       Mr Johnston said: “Excellent health services will support improved health and wellbeing of our population as a whole – but cannot bear all the responsibility for this.

       “Tackling poverty impacts on health, as does the availability of good work, high-quality education and childcare, affordable housing, addressing climate change, and tackling racism.”

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       Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton responded to Mr Johnston’s comments saying: “I am yet to meet a doctor or nurse who thinks Humza Yousaf’s so-called NHS recovery plan is up to scratch.

       “The Scottish Government have not delivered the vision or the resources required to tackle the strain our NHS is under.

       “The nationalists cannot be trusted to cut waits, expand appointments and deliver care close to home. There needs to be urgent investment in clearing waiting lists and delivering preventative care so that small problems don’t spiral.”

       Mr Johnston added: “People in Scotland now die younger than in any other Western European country. People spend more of their lives in ill health.

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       “The gap in life expectancy between the poorest and the wealthiest is growing. We have seen great progress in the past but, at the moment, Scotland’s health is getting worse.

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       “We must be bold and brave in the face of the health challenges we face. A focus on increasing prevention is increasingly gaining traction and it is important we look to shape these opportunities, particularly in reforming and modernising our public services.”

       A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Austerity, the pandemic and the cost crisis have all contributed to slowing progress in health outcomes over the past decade. We are using all powers and resources available to tackle poverty, reduce inequality, increase healthy life expectancy and create a fairer Scotland.

       “Our public health initiatives are complemented by wide-ranging action to reduce poverty and mitigate the impact of the rise in the cost of living. By increasing fair access to employment, education and training, and improving our physical and social environments, we make people’s lives better.

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