NHS Lothian has seen some of its lowest ever weekly attendances at A&E departments for a second week running.
2,121 people attended A&E throughout the week beginning 5 April across NHS Lothian, compared with 4,243 attendances at the same time last year.
Across Scotland, 92.7% of people were seen within the four hour target despite ongoing pressures on the NHS due to Covid-19.
Last week, weekly attendances at A&E fell to their lowest on record - with 2,108 visits across the Lothians.
There were 1,160 visits to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh last week, up slightly on 1,115 visits the previous week.
Emergency departments across the country have seen weekly attendances drop, prompting some concern from emergency medicine experts that people who need to be seen aren't attending A&E soon enough.
Dr David Chung, Vice President of RCEM Scotland said that whilst many people who visit A&E could have their condition better managed elsewhere, the College was concerned people who needed treatment were staying away.
Dr Chung reminded people that emergency department continued to be able to provide safe care for anyone who needed them.
Commenting on the latest figures, the Scottish Government health secretary Jeane Freeman said: “The A&E waiting times figures for the week ending April 5 show that 92.7% of people were seen and treated within four hours.
"This is due to the continued hard work and dedication of staff in our NHS who are providing an exceptional level of care during these extraordinary times. Each and every one of you has my very grateful thanks.
“While members of the public are continuing to listen to advice and only going to A&E if illnesses are immediate or life threatening, I would like to remind people not to ignore early warning signs of serious conditions. If you have new symptoms then it’s vital you get this checked out either by contacting your GP, or if symptoms are urgent by attending A&E.
“We are working closely with health boards and partnerships to ensure robust plans are in place to strengthen capacity and minimise the impact of COVID-19 across the health system.”
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