Stevenson Welcomes NHS Grampian A&E Figures

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, has welcomed new figures that show between 93-95 per cent of patients across NHS Grampian were seen within the four hour A and E waiting time target in the last three months of 2014.

Last October 93.6 per cent in NHS Grampian reached the four hour target, in November this went up to 95 per cent and there were 94.4 per cent in December 2014 seen within the set time. These figures exceeded the national averages which were 91.8 per cent for October and November 2014, and 89.9 per cent for December 2014 respectively.

Mr Stevenson praised the work of staff across Aberdeenshire as this winter has seen unprecedented pressures on A and E departments. Attendances in 2014 were the highest seen in any year since records began. In the quarter ending in December, attendances were up from last year, and there were over 9000 more people attending A and E. Admissions to hospital following an A and E attendance were also at their highest level on record with 101,488 people admitted over the quarter.

Mr Stevenson said:

“I warmly welcome these figures which go to show how fantastic our NHS staff is in the face of a very challenging winter.

“There has been an increase in the number of patients and an increase in those admitted across Scotland, which have made the targets difficult to achieve, but it is heartening to see NHS Grampian coming so close and always striving for excellence.”

Cabinet Secretary for Health Shona Robison admitted that the Scottish Government’s demanding targets had not been met, but that they were determined to improve performance. She added that the Government’s £50 million unscheduled care action plan and a fresh approach to embedding good practice in emergency care across Scotland were the right way to improve performance.