Figures released by ISD Scotland have shown that 97% of patients admitted to A & E departments in the Borders during March were seen within four hours. This is the highest percentage since October last year, and comes despite a significant rise in the number of patients that attended A & E.
Although just below the standard compliance target of 98% it is the fifth month in a row where NHS Borders has shown an improvement.
Local MSP John Lamont said:
“Despite having a higher number of admissions to Accident and Emergency departments in March it is encouraging to see that more patients are being seen within four hours.
“This is the highest percentage of patients being seen within the target time since October last year and means that NHS Borders is performing well above other health regions in Scotland.
“I know that many patients get extremely frustrated at having to wait long periods of time to be seen by a doctor, especially if their problem is deemed as urgent. It is great to see A & E waiting times being minimised and ensures that patients in the Borders receive the best care possible.
John Lamont added: “While NHS Borders is still marginally behind the standard compliance rate of 98%, the gap is narrowing each month. I have no doubts that our A & E Departments will start to beat that target in the following months and I know that this will be a relief to the thousands who use them throughout the year.”