Somehospitalsreachingtargets

Lanarkshire hospitals serving Rutherglen and Cambuslang are reaching A&E waiting time targets - but it is a different story for those who are taken to hospitals in Glasgow.

Figures released by the Scottish Government show 96.3 per cent of patients seen in Lanarkshire emergency departments are seen, admitted or discharged within four hours.

However, Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board is failing to hit the 95 per cent target, with just 91.4 per cent seen in that time, the lowest figure in Scotland.

Patients in Rutherglen and Cambuslang can be sent to hospitals in both areas.

Ambulance staff are instructed to take them to whatever hospital is quickest to get to, depending on distance and traffic conditions, usually one in Glasgow or Hairmyres in East Kilbride.

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey welcomed the figures, saying: “Scotland has had the best performing emergency departments in the UK for more than two years – which is testament to the hard work of our NHS and social care workers.

“It is extremely encouraging that emergency departments in NHS Lanarkshire are exceeding the four hour waiting times target, with the latest figures published showing that 96.3 per cent of patients are being seen within four hours.”

“Our NHS staff do vital work which I personally thank them for – and we should always celebrate their success and continue to support their efforts.”