Worst ever A&E waiting times recorded across Ayrshire and Arran
Just over half of patients were seen within the first four hours
New data has revealed just over half of people visiting Ayrshire and Arran’s A&E department were seen within four hours.
The 54.2 per cent figure for the week ending December 29th, 2024, is the worst recorded since weekly records began in February 2015.
It also highlighted three of the four worst weeks on record came in December 2024.
SNP MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley Elena Whitham admitted the numbers were ‘not good enough’ but pledged the upcoming Scottish Government budget was aimed at tackling these numbers.
She said: “I am going to be honest; these figures are not where any of us want them to be and we really need to see some improvements.
“And that’s why I think the Scottish Government is committed to supporting NHS boards with real, targeted changes to A&E services.
“Next year’s budget is a reflection of that commitment, and we are focused on making sure we see improvements in waiting times moving forward.”
Before adding: “I would urge everyone to only attend A&E if it’s an emergency.”
The Scottish government's target is for 95 per cent of patients to be seen, admitted, discharged, or transferred within four hours.
However, A&E performance has been worsening since the summer of 2020.
At the start of December, Stephen Boyle, auditor general for Scotland, said a clear plan was lacking - and that fundamental change in how NHS services are provided is "urgently needed" to cope with growing demand.
Scottish Conservative MSP Brian Whittle slammed the Holyrood government for the figures.
He said: “It goes without saying that these A&E figures are a real concern for the whole of the county.
“I think it is symptomatic of a much bigger problem, we know that too many people are having to access A&E when it is not the most appropriate place for them to be.
“It goes with the auditor general’s comments that the SNP don’t have a plan for the NHS and we need a long-term strategy that makes sure that primary care is where the first port of call is so that people don’t have to access A&E.”
NHS Ayrshire and Arran have been approached for a comment on these figures.
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