NHS Scotland ‘no plans’ to scrap waiting times

four-hour A&E target in hospitals is reportedly set to be scrapped within a year.

It was reported NHS England is backing the plans, with sources saying chief executive Simon Stevens wants to introduce a change over the coming year.

The government has previouslysaiditplanstoditch the target for 95 per cent of patients to be seen at A&E within four hours.

Instead, those with less serious illnesses could have to wait longer, while new targets may be brought in for conditions such as heart attacks and stroke. NHS England said no final decision had yet been made and any changes would be tested before being implemented from October. Doctors have previously warned that getting rid of the target would have a “near-catastrophic impact” on patient safety. Emergency units have not hit the target since July 2015.

The Scottish Government said they “remain committed” to the four hour A&E standard.

A spokesperson added: “Scotland’s core A&ES have now been the best performing in the UK for almost four years. “However, we acknowledge there are areas where performance needs to improve. That is why we are supporting boards with an additional £10 million this winter – on top of the £9m already allocated to support unscheduled care all year round. We are also working closely with those health boards experiencing the greatest challenges in A&E performance.”