The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) has issued a severe warning regarding the escalating waiting times in Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments in Scotland, labeling the situation as both "unacceptable" and "dangerous".

A report released by the RCEM indicates that more than 76,000 Scots had to wait over 12 hours for treatment in A&E in 2024, highlighting a dramatic increase compared to previous years.

Specifically, the number of patients enduring such extensive waits is 99 times higher than in 2011, when only 784 individuals faced similar delays.

Data obtained from Public Health Scotland (PHS) reveals that in the last year, approximately one in every 18 emergency room patients experienced waits exceeding 12 hours.

Additionally, over the past decade, the number of extended waiting times has surged, with three times as many individuals waiting longer than 12 hours in 2024 compared to the entire decade leading up to 2020.

Dr. John-Paul Loughrey, the RCEM's vice-president for Scotland, expressed concern over the long waits, asserting that they pose risks to patient safety.

He stated that many patients are forced to receive care in corridors due to a shortage of inpatient beds.

While he acknowledged that Scotland maintains the best performance among UK nations, he emphasized that being the "least worst" does not warrant commendation.

The statistics also illustrate a concerning trend that began in 2016, with significant escalation during the Covid-19 pandemic.

December 2023 was recorded as the second worse month for A&E waiting times since the RCEM commenced monthly data collection in 2011, raising alarms about the effectiveness of current healthcare infrastructure.

The RCEM attributes the substantial waiting times to the lack of inpatient beds and delayed discharges, frequently tied to insufficient social care support.

In December 2023 alone, there were 61,706 days spent in hospital beds by patients who no longer required medical attention, marking a 6% increase from the same month in 2022.

While the RCEM reported that 76,346 patients faced over 12-hour waits, PHS data suggests a slightly higher figure of 77,563.

This discrepancy may stem from variations in data collection methods and definitions related to A&E waiting times.

In response to the crisis, Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has committed to modernizing the NHS and addressing high waiting times and delayed discharges.

He underscored plans to increase medical appointments and procedures over the next year, acknowledging the significant pressures faced by A&E departments, which are reflective of issues seen across the UK.

Health Secretary Neil Gray confirmed that the government is focused on reducing waiting lists and improving patient flow through hospitals, with a proposed additional £200 million aimed at addressing backlogs and enhancing hospital capacity.

He stressed the complexity of the challenges faced by the health system and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining free healthcare accessibility.

Criticism from opposition parties has surfaced, with Scottish Labour health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie characterizing the current situation as indicative of a crisis under the Scottish National Party (SNP).

Both Conservative and Liberal Democrat representatives echoed concerns, pointing to failures in providing adequate healthcare staffing and resources, and linking the challenges within the NHS to overarching issues in social care.

The current statistics and responses highlight a pressing need for comprehensive reforms within Scotland's healthcare system as it navigates unprecedented demands.