Understanding A&E waiting times
We know how important it is that patients attending our A&E are seen quickly. On average, we see over 200 patients each day in A&E, who all need to be assessed, treated and either discharged or admitted to hospital.
The four-hour target
The Scottish government sets a target for 95% of patients to be seen and discharged or admitted within four hours. While we met this target regularly before the pandemic, recent pressures, such as treatment backlogs, have made it more challenging. Currently, we're achieving this target for about three-quarters of A&E patients. You can read the latest monthly statistics on A&E departments across Scotland here. The sickest patients are prioritised.
There are some common misunderstandings about A&E waits. Although many patients will spend several hours within A&E, they will usually be assessed within two to three hours, even during busy times.
Patients with the most serious conditions are always seen first. Prioritising those who are most unwell means that patients with less urgent conditions will experience longer waits.
The sickest patients are prioritised
There are some common misunderstandings about A&E waits. Although many patients will spend several hours within A&E, they will usually be assessed within two to three hours, even during busy times.
Patients with the most serious conditions are always seen first. Prioritising those who are most unwell means that patients with less urgent conditions will experience longer waits.