AYRSHIRE MSP Katy Clark has condemned the Scottish Government for failing to address the deteriorating A&E waiting times in Ayrshire and Arran, calling the latest figures “shocking”. 

New statistics reveal 208 patients waited over four hours to be seen, with only 65.6 per cent treated of the 605 attendees within the four-hour target for the week ending October 13.

That is down from 67.2 per cent the previous week and 68.2 per cent in the week ending October 15, 2023.

Ms Clark, Labour MSP for West of Scotland, said: “The Scottish Government must face facts and act now before this winter becomes even tougher than last. 

“Our dedicated NHS staff are stretched to their limits. Without immediate intervention, the situation will worsen. The SNP must offer real solutions, not empty promises."

The proportion of Scots waiting long hours for treatment in A&E rose in the week ending 13 October, with 9,641 patients waiting more than the target four hours. 

Health secretary Neil Gray said “Although we have the best performing core A&E departments in the UK, performance is below the level we all wish to see.

"We continue to support boards as they undertake significant work to make targeted, sustainable improvements to services.

“The pressure being felt by our A&E departments is not unique to Scotland - with similar challenges being felt right across the UK."