Health board has worst waiting times in country

The region’s accident and emergency waiting times are still lagging behind the rest of the country, according to new figures.

Recent data released by Public Health Scotland for the week ending October 24 revealed that 51.8 per cent of patients who attended A&E in Forth Valley were seen within the four hour target time.

It was the worst rate across of Scotland’s health board areas, with the national average for the week sitting at 69.6 per cent.

Meanwhile, a fresh report looking at A&E waiting times for the entire month of September revealed that 69.3 per cent of patients were seen within the four hour target - the second worst rate in the country behind Lanarkshire.

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Dean Lockhart said staff at Forth Valley Royal were at“breaking point”after data from October 10 and October 17 revealed that fewer than half of patients had been seen at A&E within the target time.

Mr Lockhart said:“The latest figures make for shocking reading as NHS Forth Valley is by far the worst performing in the country.”

An NHS Forth Valley spokesperson said:“Staff are doing everything possible to reduce delays at this very challenging time and patients with more serious illnesses and injuries continue to be prioritised.

“Many patients undergo further diagnostic tests and start their treatment while they are waiting in the Emergency Department to be admitted to a ward.

“Colleagues in social care are also experiencing an increase in referrals and significant staff shortages which has led to a high number of patients experiencing delays in being discharged from local hospitals.

“A number of actions have been taken to help increase capacity and reduce pressure across the FVRH site. This includes ongoing work with our partners to reduce delays for patients who are ready to leave hospital but require social care support to return home.

“Local people can also help by calling NHS 24 on 111, day or night, if they require urgent health care advice or treatment but it’s not life-threatening. They can provide advice to help ensure people get the right care in the right place which may be the Minor Injuries Unit at Stirling Health and Care Village, your local pharmacy which is able to provide treatment for many common health issues or your GP practice where you can access support from a range of different healthcare staff including physiotherapists, mental health nurses and advanced nurse practitioners as well as GPs.”