Scots forced to visit A&E wards face a “Russian roulette” gamble over how long they will be left waiting for treatment, Labour has warned.
Official figures out today found more than two-fifths of patients waited longer than the Scottish Government’s target time over the New Year period.
Performance against the four-hour A&E target was at 58.7 per cent in the week ending January 5, up slightly from 58.2 per cent the previous week.
Public Health Scotland’s data shows attendances of more than eight hours were up to 18.3 per cent from 16.2 per cent previously. Attendances of more than 12 hours rose to 9.1% from 6.9% previously.
Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour health spokeswoman, said: “These spiralling waits show that the SNP has lost control of our NHS.
“With nearly one in five Scots waiting more than eight hours to be treated and nearly one in ten waiting more than 12, A&E is starting to resemble Russian roulette.
“The UK Labour government delivered a record Budget settlement but it’s essential the SNP spends the money on improving frontline services rather than frittering it away doing more of the same. Our NHS needs a new direction and Scottish Labour is ready to deliver it.”
Health Secretary Neil Gray said he was determined to “drive improvements” in A&E wards as waiting times remain high.
Gray said high levels of flu cases continue to put pressure on the NHS.
He said: “Our A&E departments are still facing peak winter pressure and this has been exacerbated by higher than normal levels of influenza.
“NHS staff are working hard to ensure patients are seen as quickly as possible, but we know some people are waiting too long and we are determined to drive improvements.
“Last night, I, along with the First Minister, held a further meeting with health boards and key stakeholders to assess system pressures and discuss ongoing work to minimise delays for patients.
“I thank the public for continuing to do their part in observing the advice on the best way to access services – it is vital people only attend A&E in a genuine emergency.
“If this is not the case, there are online tools at NHS Inform, and NHS 24 can be contacted on 111. For life-threatening emergencies always call 999.
“I would urge all those eligible to get vaccinated to help combat high levels of influenza.”
Public Health Scotland also found 2,020 people were stuck in hospital at the November census due to their discharge being delayed.
Alex Cole-Hamilton, Scottish Lib Dems leader, said: “SNP mismanagement has led to eye-watering numbers of people stuck in hospital unnecessarily because they can’t get the care they need at home or in the community.
“This creates a backlog right across our NHS, contributing to agonising waits in A&E and ambulances stacking up outside the front door. It goes to show that you can’t save our NHS unless you fix the care crisis.”
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