Earlier, the health secretary was asked about the outlook for the coming months.
Constance said: “We do know that the winter will be difficult.
“There are always increased pressures as we enter the winter season but what we have seen in Scotland, over the past few years, is an increase in demand on our NHS services.”
The minister said a range of factors were responsible but added the government was aiming to reduced “avoidable hospital admissions”.
She also stressed the importance of the public choosing the right service for advice and treatment.
Challenged on lack of capacity, Constance said: “We are supportive, both financially and in terms of a policy perspective, of being able to get, what they call, a better flow through the hospital when people have to be admitted.”
The health secretary was also asked if treating patients in corridors was “becoming the norm”.
She said: “We cannot accept corridor care.”
The minister said the problem was particularity acute in certain hospitals and parts of the country.
Asked about concerns delays were costing lives, Constance said: “Our NHS is safe but we need to be sure that people get the right care at the right time.”
BBC Scotland has asked the Scottish government for a response to Hunter’s comments, which were broadcast after the health secretary’s interview.
