Queen Elizabeth University Hospital records worst A&E waiting times
Last updated 16th Jan 2024
The Queen Elizabeth University hospital in Glasgow has recorded the worst ever A and E wait times for a Scottish hospital. In the latest weekly data it's revealed that just 31 percent of patients were seen within 4 hours in the week to January the 7th.
Performance is down across Scotland, with 59.4% percent of people seen within the target time.
It’s the first time the percentage has fallen below 60% for the first time since 2022.
The most recent week's data also shows 18.1% of patients spent more than eight hours in an emergency department and 9.0% were there for more than 12 hours.
Health Secretary Michael Matheson said: "I am clear that performance remains below the levels we all wish to see and we continue to work closely with boards to support the delivery of sustained improvements.
"The heightened winter pressure being felt by our A&Es, which is not unique to Scotland, with similar challenges being felt by emergency departments throughout the UK, is being impacted by high levels of flu and Covid as well as staff sickness.
"Our winter plan is supporting boards to maximise capacity to meet demand, including expanded Hospital at Home services that are helping more people receive care at home or as close to home as possible, where clinically appropriate. This aims to relieve pressure on the front door of our A&Es."
Mr Matheson said the Government is also working to tackle delayed discharge in hospitals.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said the NHS recovery plan needs an urgent overhaul.
He said: "A year after some of the worst A&E waiting times in history, we find ourselves right back there again.
"Humza Yousaf's NHS recovery plan appears to have had no impact on the crisis in our NHS.
"Michael Matheson has been too distracted by salvaging his career to focus on the needs of staff and patients.
"Scotland needs a Government laser-focused on the day job