Waiting times at the Capital's main A&E longest in 10 years

Published on Wednesday 25 November 2009 08:35

WAITING times at the Capital's main A&E department are the longest in a decade, new figures have shown.

Patients attending Edinburgh Royal Infirmary wait an average of 129 minutes, a rise on last year and easily the longest wait in Scotland.

Health chiefs today pleaded with patients to stop clogging up A&E after a rise in the number of those turning up unnecessarily with minor injuries.

Medical director Dr Charles Swainson said many who go to A&E could be seen at the minor injuries clinic at the Western General, or given advice by NHS 24.

He said: "The ERI remains Scotland's busiest emergency medicine facility, seeing over 9,000 people in September this year. This is an increase of around 300 people from last year.

"At a time where our Accident and Emergency departments are busier than ever before, our staff are working hard to ensure patients do not face long waits. All are assessed on arrival and are prioritised by clinical need."

But he said patients should consider whether they really need to go to Little France.

"Help us to deliver fast care to people in need of life-saving treatment by considering whether or not you need to go to A&E," said Dr Swainson. "We have a range of services, including minor injuries centres, and it may be better for you to use these options."

The average wait in accident and emergency departments across Scotland between April and June this year was one hour and 44 minutes –much shorter than the ERI's two hours and nine minutes.

However, the hospital does see most patients within the four-hour target set by the Scottish Government.

While the health board appears to be firmly pointing at patients, opposition politicians said authorities had to take some blame.

Lothians Conservative MSP Gavin Brown said: "No matter how you look at these figures they do not reflect well on the health policies of any administration since the advent of devolution.

"I urge the health secretary to investigate these appalling figures before making clear what her government intends to do to turn things around. I trust she will consider looking to other sectors – private, independent or voluntary – to see what they can do to lift the burden on NHS staff.

"One thing is for sure, this trend cannot be allowed to continue. Patients across the Lothians have already waited long enough."

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