Thousands of Scots are facing an A&E “dystopia” every week, the Scottish Government has been told.
The Scottish Liberal Democrats urged ministers to reform the health service after figures showed 4,479 people waited more than eight hours in emergency departments in the week ending September 13.
The figure, which accounts for 15.2% of all A&E visits that week, is a slight rise from 4,447 (14.9%) recorded the week before.
The statistics from Public Health Scotland show 1,911 people – 6.5% – waited more than 12 hours to be seen, compared to 1,902 (6.4%) the week prior.
A&Es across Scotland have become a dystopia of huge waits and immense pressure
Overall, 17,852 (60.6%) patients were seen within the Government’s four-hour target – down from 18,212 (60.9%) the previous week.
Adam Harley, Lib Dem health spokesman at Holyrood, said: “A&Es across Scotland have become a dystopia of huge waits and immense pressure.
“The SNP have made 12-hour waits, which never existed when they first came to power, part and parcel of patient experience.
“Ultimately, the reason for these waits is that too many hospital beds are occupied by patients who can’t get the care package they need to return home.
“That’s why we need reform that will tackle this underlying problem, helping people leave hospital on time, freeing up bed space and getting everyone the care they need.”
Miles Briggs, the Scottish Tory health spokesman, said such “dire” weekly figures are “now the shocking norm under the SNP”.
He said: “Thousands of patients are being left waiting for hours, with almost 2,000 alone enduring waits of more than half-a-day.
“Frontline staff are doing everything they can, but they are being let down by SNP ministers who have no clue how to fix the permanent crisis in A&E departments.
“John Swinney cannot hide behind yet more headline-grabbing NHS reform plans while patients continue to pay the price of SNP mismanagement right now.
“With winter rapidly approaching, ministers need to stop the excuses and take urgent action before these already unacceptable waits get even worse.”
Health Secretary Angela Constance said: “Long waits are unacceptable and the Scottish Government is committed to improving A&E performance and tackling long delays.
“While the challenges facing Scotland are not unique compared to the rest of the UK, I am focused on ensuring people get the care they need as quickly as possible and I am clear the status quo cannot continue.
“That is why I have published a new national plan to improve the flow of patients through hospitals.
“It’s also why our reforms of the NHS will focus directly on improving services for patients.”