ATTENDANCES at A&Es across Scotland have reached a record low for the second week running.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has thanked the public and health and social care service as A&E statistics have shown a record low number of attendances.
During the week ending March 29, there were 11,020 attendances in A&E services – down from 16,425 the previous week.
Some 92.2% of those were seen within four hours, although this is still less than government targets of 95% of patients being seen in that timeframe.
More than 60 people waited eight hours or more and 10 patients spent more than 12 hours in the A&E department.
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Freeman said: "The number of attendances to A&E this week was the lowest on record since weekly reporting began with 92.2% of people being seen within four hours.
"I would like to thank members of the public for continuing to listen to advice and only going to A&E if illnesses are immediate or life-threatening.
"This is helping to free-up vital resources to allow NHS staff to be redeployed to support the response to the coronavirus pandemic.
"I would also like to again pay tribute to Scotland's health and social care staff for their continued hard work and dedication – you are providing an exceptional level of care during these extraordinary times and each and every one of you has my very grateful thanks.
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"We are doing all we can to support you – working with health boards and partnerships to ensure robust plans are in place to strengthen capacity and minimise the impact of Covid-19 across the health system."
Members of the public are asked not to attend an A&E if they are showing signs of coronavirus and instead call NHS 24 on 111.
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