A&E figures are ‘not acceptable’

maintain free prescriptions and extend free personal care.

“This is on top of record staffing levels. This is a Government that cares deeply about our health service. “

Despite the A&E issues, the SNP government recently announced record spending on health services in its draft budget proposals.

Airdrie and Shotts MSP Alex Neil called on his political opponents across Lanarkshire to get behind these proposals which will increase spending on health services by £1 billion – with local health and social care partnerships earmarked to receive nearly £9.5 billion.

He said: “The SNP in government is investing record amounts in our NHS, to build a health service fit for the future.

“As a cherished public service for the past 70 years, MSPs must do all we can to ensure our health service is properly funded.”

In December, NHS Lanarkshire was the worst performing health board in Scotland for A&E response times.

During that month, an average of 77.2 percent of patients were seen within the target four hour period.

The breakdown for each hospital was: Wishaw - 78 percent within four hours, Monklands - 80.6 percent, and Hairmyres at 72.1 percent.

Judith Park, NHS Lanarkshire acting director of acute services, said: “We have seen a significant increase in the number of people attending our emergency department and the number of patients being admitted to hospital. This increasing trend has unfortunately impacted on our A&E waiting times.

“We are sorry that some patients have experienced a longer wait. All our staff continue to work extremely hard to ensure that patients are seen and treated as quickly as possible and NHS Lanarkshire continues to provide alternative services so patients can receive care outwith hospitals wherever appropriate.

“While A&E departments may be a convenient option, we want people to stop and think before they go to A&E.

“There are lots of other qualified experts in our community who can safely advise people more quickly on many health conditions.

“It is extremely important that we help people access the right help, at the right time and we keep A&E free for emergencies.

“We’d advise anyone who is feeling unwell to visit the NHS Inform website for advice on self-care in the first instance, and the NHS24 111 phone service can provide urgent health advice out of hours.”