Almost 94 per cent of A&E patients at Lanarkshire’s hospitals were seen within the four-hour target.

In the week ending July 19, 3595 patients were seen by staff, with 93.7 per cent within the target and all but two within 12 hours.

Wishaw General was the best performing, with 95.1 per cent, ahead of Hairmyres on 94.7 per cent and Monklands on 91.2 per cent.

Prior to the UK-wide coronavirus lockdown, as few as 77.8 per cent of patients were being seen on target with as many as 65 having to wait more than 12 hours in the week ending January 12.

However, waiting times have improved since coronavirus restrictions began, with at least 92 per cent of patients seen on time in all but one week since lockdown.

The number of people attending A&E plummeted to just 1712 in the week ending April 5 and, although increasing steadily since, it’s currently around 10 per cent less than last July.

Dr John Keaney, NHS Lanarkshire acute medical director and consultant in emergency medicine, told the Reformer : “We want to provide the best and safest care to our patients. Part of this is making sure our hospitals, in common with the rest of the community, comply with the national physical distancing guidance for the safety of patients, staff and the public.

“People can help us with this by attending the emergency department on their own in almost all cases. The only exceptions are children and vulnerable adults, who should be accompanied by one adult.

“If someone has driven a relative to hospital, we would ask that they remain in their car or collect them after they have been discharged.

“With your help, we can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection in our hospitals.

“All our staff continue to work extremely hard to ensure that patients are seen and treated as quickly as possible and NHS Lanarkshire continues to provide alternative services so patients can receive care outwith hospitals wherever appropriate.

“I would like to thank the public for their careful use of A&E during the past few months and urge them to continue to think carefully before attending our A&E services, as a quicker, alternative solutions could be the most effective answer, saving time and resources.”

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman added: “Scotland’s core A&E departments are the best performing in the UK and have been for five years.

“We are always keen to ensure measures for high quality and effective care and patient safety are considered and we will work with The Royal College of Emergency Medicine Scotland to ensure these are in place.

“As we move towards carefully and gradually resuming NHS services which were paused as a result of COVID-19, we’ve launched the ‘Should you go to A&E’ campaign to remind people that emergency departments remain open for those who need immediate or emergency care but that for those with less urgent concerns alternative treatment options are available which are often more convenient and closer to home. These include contacting your GP practice, or NHS24 on 111 out of hours, visiting a local pharmacy or NHS Inform online will provide advice and direct people to the most appropriate service.

“Do not ignore early warning signs of serious conditions – if you have new symptoms then it’s vital you get this checked out.”