NHS chiefs in Ayrshire have apologised over waiting times at A&E departments after an MSP branded updated figures 'dismal'.
Stats show 70.8 per cent of A&E patients in the region were seen within the four-hour target time for the week ending Sunday, January 16. At University Hospital Ayr, just 62 per cent were treated within four hours.
This helped make NHS Ayrshire & Arran the second-worst performing health board in the country.
The Scottish Government has set a national standard that 95 per cent of patients should wait no longer than four hours from arrival to admission, discharge or transfer for A&E treatment.
West Scotland Labour MSP Katy Clark has called on the Scottish Government to take urgent action.
"These are dismal figures," she insisted.
“It comes just months after NHS Ayrshire & Arran advised patients to avoid A&E departments unless it is urgent.
“There is no doubt Covid-19 has exacerbated the situation, but staff shortages, outdated buildings and budget shortfalls were issues long before the pandemic.
“The need to see revised NHS recovery and workforce management plans from the Scottish Government has never been more urgent.”
Joanne Edwards, director for acute service at NHS Ayrshire & Arran, apologised but insisted all efforts were being made to minimise delays.
She said: "NHS Ayrshire & Arran is committed to providing safe and effective health care and treatment for our population in as timely a manner as possible.
"Ongoing extreme pressures caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, including increased staff absence and emergency attendances, have had a significant impact on the capacity of our service.
"Patients coming in to our emergency departments (EDs) are being prioritised and those who require urgent care are seen first.
"Some patients are facing a significant wait time to be seen or admitted and for that we sincerely apologise. All efforts are being made to minimise these delays.
"We would remind patients that EDs are for serious illnesses and accidents. If they do not require urgent care they should contact NHS24 on 111."
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