The number of available beds at the Royal Alexandra Hospital has dropped sharply in the past six years, latest figures reveal.

Statistics released by the Scottish Government show the number of non-intensive beds at the Paisley hospital fell from 750 in 2011 to 688 last year.

The number of intensive care beds have remained largely unchanged since 2003 and, last year, stood at 38.

Across Scotland as a whole, hospitals have lost more than 8,000 beds since 2003 - a drop described by the Scottish Conservatives as “hugely significant.”

The figures were released following a parliamentary question by Tory MSP Miles Briggs.

The RAH caters for patients across Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, with the Conservatives accusing the SNP of failing to do enough to protect health services.

Mr Briggs, public health spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives, said: “We know the way people are being treated is changing, with more receiving the care they need outwith hospital settings. However, the SNP cannot just hide behind that argument when bed numbers have dropped by nearly a third since 2003.

“The population is increasing and ageing and the pressure on the NHS is like never before. That’s why the Scottish Government has to get the balance right and simply slashing the number of beds without thinking of the consequences is not the way to do it.

“This is more evidence of an SNP distracted by its obsession with breaking up Britain, neglecting our precious NHS in the process.”

However, bosses at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGCC) said they have always made it clear there would be an overall reduction of acute inpatient beds across the whole of the health board area, including the RAH.

A spokeswoman added: “This is in response to increases in day surgery, community alternatives to admission and a reduction in the time patients actually spend in hospital.”