Statistics published on Tuesday have shown that during the month ending 30 June, Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments in South Scotland continued to miss the Scottish Government’s legally binding target of 95% of patients being admitted to the hospital, transferred or discharged within four hours of arriving at A&E.

The figures showed an improving picture compared to the same time in 2022, with NHS Dumfries and Galloway was sitting at 82.5 per cent; NHS Borders was 67.4 per cent; while Ayrshire and Arran was sitting at 70.7 per cent. NHS Lanarkshire 59.9 per cent and NHS Lothian 67.5 per cent.

However, all the boards still fell short of the four hour target, and all saw large numbers of people waiting over eight hours and shockingly, some over 12 (see table below).

Colin Smyth said: “While A&E figures published for June are showing a slight improvement compared to 2022, they are still well below the Scottish Government’s 95 per cent four hour target.

“Patients are still facing long waits for treatment, and that continues to have a negative impact on staff wellbeing.

“Lives are still being lost because of delays and it is up to the Scottish Government to do all it can to stop this once and for all.

“They must also invest further in primary care and tackle illnesses before they get serious. Health inequalities are widening under this Scottish Government’s watch, and they must tackle this issue head on.”