The SNP Government’s Accident and Emergency waiting time target has been missed yet again in Dumfries and Galloway, new figures reveal.

Official statistics from the Scottish Government’s Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland show that 91.2% of patients were seen within four hours at A&E departments week ending 8 July. This falls short the Scottish Government’s target of 95% of patients being seen within four hours.

The statistics means that in Dumfries and Galloway the target has only been met four times since July last year. The figures for the new hospital show that 89.9% of patients were seen within the four hour target- with seven waiting over eight hours. The figures for the Galloway Hospital show that 94.4% were seen within the four hour target.

South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth believes that it is time for the SNP Government to give our NHS the resources it needs or the queues in our hospital wards will only grow longer.

Colin Smyth said, “In the winter the SNP Government blamed the weather for their failure to meet Accident and Emergency targets. The truth is that no matter the season the Government’s own targets are being missed – leaving some patients waiting for hours to be seen. Local patients and staff deserve better. Unless we see much needed additional funding in our hospitals now, the queues and waiting times will only increase. We need an NHS is that is properly staffed and funded to ensure patients get the treatment they deserve and need.”