Jackie Baillie MSP has called for NHS Greater Glasgow to make greater use of the Vale of Leven Hospital as recent figures on A&E waiting times show that more than 1000 people waited longer than 4 hours in A&E departments across the area this week.

The figures, available from ISD Scotland, show that 84.6% of people were treated within 4 hours, which is a decrease on the previous two weeks and the third worst week over the last 3 months. In comparison, in the first week of December 92% of patients were seen within the 4 hour target time.

The Vale of Leven Hospital has a busy Minor Injuries Unit and Medical Assessment Unit but patients from the Vale’s catchment area with more serious conditions are having to travel to Paisley for A&E. Jackie has called for the health board to make greater use of the Vale of Leven hospital to reduce the pressure on other hospitals across the Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Jackie said:

“It is disappointing that thousands of patients are being expected to wait longer than 4 hours at A&E departments across Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

“We know that the staff and service at the Vale of Leven hospital are first class and it seems an obvious answer for the health board to invest in the Vale and reduce the pressure on other hospitals.

“The Met Office are predicting that temperatures across Scotland will begin to drop this week, with a ‘Beast from the East’ replica not being ruled out. Cold weather brings increased pressure on A&E departments so the health board should prepare for this now and utilise the Vale of Leven hospital.”

ENDS