A&E attendance at its highest level since lockdown started

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has welcomed a rise in the number of people attending accident and emergency departments as she repeated her message for anyone with urgent medical conditions to seek help.

A total of 19,804 patients went to A&E in the final week of May, the highest number since lockdown came into force in March.

The latest NHS Scotland figures show an increase of 2,133 patients (12%) from the previous week, which includes the first weekend when lockdown restrictions were eased.

Of those patients, 95.2% were seen within the Scottish Government’s fourhour target.

A total of 58 patients spent more than eight hours in an A&E department and 11 people waited more than 12 hours.

The previous high for attendances was the week ending March 15, when 24,052 patients went to A&E.

Coronavirus restrictions came into force on March 23.

Ms Freeman said: “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 staff member has my very grateful thanks.

“As we move towards carefully and gradually resuming NHS services which were paused as a result of Covid-19, I want to remind people that if you have urgent medical concerns to contact your GP or NHS 24, who can provide advice and direct you to the most appropriate service.

“That message is really important. Do not ignore early warning signs of serious conditions – if you have new symptoms then it’s vital you get this checked out.

“We continue to work closely with health boards and partnerships to ensure development and implementation of robust local mobilisation plans to strengthen capacity and minimise the impact of Covid-19 across the health system.”

“Do not ignore early warning signs of serious conditions. JEANE FREEMAN