Improvement in Ayrshire's A&E waiting times will be 'cold comfort' to patients still facing long delays

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Waiting times at Ayrshire’s Accident and Emergency departments have improved slightly, figures show.According to Public Health Scotland, 67 per cent of patients who presented at a local A&E were seen within the four hour target.Although that figure is way short of the Scottish Government’s target of 95 per cent, it’s an improvement on the previous figure of 60 per cent.The figures are based on the week ending Sunday, January 22.However, the figures also show that 254 patients waited more than eight hours before being admitted to hospital, transferred or discharged.And a further 159 patients faced waits of more than 12 hours during the reporting period.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now.Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you.The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android.South Scotland Labour List MSP, Colin Smyth, said the figures will be 'cold comfort' to those still facing significant delays to their treatment.He said : “These figures are an improvement on the dismal winter A&E stats, but the fact remains that our NHS is in crisis with thousands waiting too long for treatment.“The Scottish Government must end delayed discharge, which causes capacity problems with a lack of available beds, and stop this crisis once and for all.“They must also invest further in primary care and tackle illnesses before they get serious.”Brian Whittle, South Scotland Conservative List MSP, said: “The Scottish Conservatives have already set out a range of steps the