Statistics published yesterday (18 January 2021) have shown that Accident and Emergency services across the south of Scotland have recorded some of the worst ever performances ever against the four hour target.

NHS Lanarkshire and Lothian recorded their worst performances against the Scottish Government’s target of 95% of patients being admitted to the hospital, transferred or discharged within four hours, since records began in 2015.

Hundreds of patients spent over eight hours in A&E, with many waiting over 12 hours for treatment.

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said: “This is a deeply worrying development and it is clear that lives are being put in danger.

“Week after week we have seen all-time lows in A&E services but the SNP government has failed to act.

“NHS staff right across the south of Scotland are working incredibly hard, especially as the winter pressures start to bite, but they are being badly failed by a government that is not adequately supporting them in their efforts to keep the people of Scotland safe.

“The Scottish Government’s lack of action in the face of this crisis has been nothing short of a dereliction of duty.

“This is unacceptable – action is needed now to stop lives being lost.”