One third of people attending Scotland’s emergency departments waited longer than four hours, according to the latest weekly figures.

Statistics released by Public Health Scotland show 66% of patients were seen within the four-hour target in the week to June 16 – down from 67.5% the week before.

The Scottish Government aims to have 95% of attendances at A&E seen and subsequently admitted, transferred or discharged in less than four hours.

The rate of people waiting more than 12 hours increased from 4.2% to 4.4% over the period, while those waiting eight hours or more went from 10.2% to 10.7%.

Health Secretary Neil Gray admitted A&E performance “remains below the levels we all wish to see”.

He added: “We continue to work with boards to reduce long waits and support delivery of sustained improvements, though Scotland’s core A&E sites remain the best performing in the UK.
“Health services continue to face sustained pressure and this is not unique to Scotland – with similar challenges being felt right across the UK.

“The 2024-25 Scottish Budget provides more than £19.5 billion for health and social care and an extra £500 million for frontline boards.

“Hospital bed occupancy continues to be a major factor impacting on A&E performance.

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