A&E patients seen within four hours remains under 60% in latest weekly figures

The proportion of patients seen at Scotland’s emergency departments within four hours remains below 60% for the second week in a row, the latest figures show.

Statistics released by Public Health Scotland on Tuesday show 59.7% of attendances were seen and subsequently admitted, transferred or discharged within the target time in the week of December 8 – up from 59.4% the previous week.

The last time the figure fell below 60% in two consecutive weeks was when the health service was in a perilous state in early 2023.

In the most recent week, 1,802 people across Scotland waited longer than 12 hours in A&E – accounting for 7.1% of all attendances – down from 2,093 the week before.

A further 3,878 waited longer than eight hours, the equivalent of 15.3%.

Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said the Scottish Government’s “inaction and complete lack of vision” is “continuing to put people’s lives at risk as we approach Christmas”.

He added: “We have repeatedly warned the SNP Health Secretary that his lack of a winter plan would fail to tackle the permanent crisis in A&E, but he has refused to change his approach.

“Our emergency departments are on the brink of collapse and simply cannot meet patient demand because the SNP have failed to prioritise frontline care.

“If urgent action is not taken now, then this situation will only spiral out of control in the coming weeks.

“The SNP must ensure that money is urgently getting to the front line and these appalling waiting times finally improve.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said conditions are not just failing to improve, but they are “getting worse”.

He added: “SNP ministerial disinterest has let conditions in A&E remain at crisis levels for far too long. These waits are intolerable for staff and patients alike.

“We need to see the Scottish Government finally take some urgent action to address this situation.”

While Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said: “Thousands of Scots are still waiting more than 12 hours to be seen at A&E – and the pressure will only ratchet up as winter advances.

“The SNP must use its record additional £5.2 billion budget settlement from the UK Labour Government to end the logjam in our hospitals and ensure that patients who turn up needing help are quickly seen and treated.”

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Services are facing sustained pressure and this is not unique to Scotland – with similar challenges being felt right across the UK.

“We know performance is not where it needs to be and we are determined to drive improvement.

“That is why our budget will provide record funding to our NHS – helping transform patient’s experiences and supporting those on the front line. I am asking Parliament to unite and back this record investment.

“This winter a record number of NHS 24 call handlers will be available to direct people to the most appropriate care, helping reduce unnecessary A&E attendances.

“To help relieve pressure on services, I would ask people to consider whether their condition is an emergency before going to A&E.

“Local GPs and pharmacies can be contacted during the day for non-critical care and NHS 24 is also available on 111 for non-emergencies.”