Infirmary's A&E on target despite patient hike

SCOTLAND'S busiest accident and emergency department is continuing to see patients within four hours of them walking through the doors, despite rising numbers.

The ERI has continued to hit the Scottish Government target throughout the busy winter period, with 98 per cent of patients seen on time since mid-January.

James McCaffery, director of acute services in the University Hospitals Division at NHS Lothian, said: "The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh is Scotland's busiest A&E department, treating some 9000 people a month.

"Last year we made some important changes to better support staff in their vital roles, and these changes have strengthened the performance despite the most intense pressure.

"These impressive figures are a tribute to the hard work of staff."