Watch live as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon holds briefing amid NHS Scotland winter crisis

The First Minister has held a briefing amid the “most challenging” winter Scotland’s National Health Service has ever faced.

Nicola Sturgeon was joined by health secretary Humza Yousaf and chief medical officer Professor Sir Gregor Smith.

Last week, Scots were urged to wear face masks in public indoor spaces in a bid to alleviate pressure on the NHS – with hospitals almost at full capacity.

Sturgeon said anyone with symptoms of a respiratory infection – a cold, flu or Covid – should stay at home if possible and wear a face covering if they do need to go out during a press conference on Monday, January 9.

Last Wednesday, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde told patients they would have to wait for non-urgent procedures as it prioritises urgent treatment and cancer care amid increasing pressure on services.

A Freedom of Information request released on Monday revealed patients in some of Scotland’s health boards have waited almost five years for routine tests.

On Friday, Scottish NHS workers paused a formal announcement of strike action after talks with unions and the Scottish Government.

The decision to delay the industrial action followed a meeting with the First Minister, the GMB, Royal College of Nursing Scotland (RCN) and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM).