Lothians Conservative list MSP Miles Briggs has accused the Scottish Government of presiding over “horrifying” A&E waiting times.
Mr Briggs’ remarks come after monthly A&E waiting times for November showed that only 58.5% of patients across Lothian were seen within the government’s four hour target waiting time.
The list MSP says these waits are “unacceptable” and “undoubtedly put lives at risk” and insists that the SNP have failed to give dedicated staff the resources they need to see patients quickly enough.
He said: “A&E waiting times in Lothian are absolutely horrifying, and this is mirrored across Scotland.
“Far too many patients are waiting too long to be seen in Lothian and that undoubtedly puts lives at risk.
“These waits are unacceptable and successive SNP health secretaries have left Lothian and the rest of Scotland without the resources to meet the demands of patients turning up in A&E.
“My constituents in Lothian are at even greater risk than other Scots – and the buck stops with the SNP government.
“A&E departments are in permanent crisis mode and as winter continues there is a real danger the waits will spiral out of control.
“These waiting times must finally be the wake-up call for Neil Gray to deliver a proper plan to support Scotland’s NHS. This must prioritise getting money to the frontline in Lothian and across Scotland rather than being wasted on pointless bureaucracy.”
Health Secretary Neil Gray said he is determined to “drive improvements” after he met health board leaders alongside the First Minister on Monday evening.
Mr 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.”
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