Proportion of A&E patients waiting more than 12 hours doubled in new year period

The proportion of A&E patients waiting in excess of 12 hours during the new year period more than doubled, according to new statistics.

Figures released on Tuesday show that during the week ending January 4 some 6.8% of patients spent more than 12 hours in an emergency department compared to 3.2% the previous week.

The proportion of patients seen and admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours dropped to 62.7% compared to 68.8% the previous week.

Some 14% of patients spent more than eight hours in an emergency department compared to 9% the previous week, according to the data.

The number of people attending A&E also increased from 23,348 to 24,175 as the country celebrated the new year.

Health secretary Neil Gray said: “While this is the highest performance for the first week of the year since 2022, I am clear that we must drive improvement.

“Our A&E departments are facing sustained pressure and we continue to see higher levels of hospital occupancy which is impacting on patient flow and leading to delays at the front door.

“This situation is not unique to Scotland, with all other UK nations experiencing similar pressures.

“We are investing over £220m to reduce waiting times, improve hospital flow and minimise delayed discharges, and our plan is working.

“To support winter activity, we are providing up to £20m to fund increased social care and reduce pressure on the hospital front door, to make sure people get the right care in the right place.”