NHS A&E Waiting Times Hit Record Low

a { color: #880000 !important; background: #ffeeee !important; } NHS A&E Waiting Times Hit Record LowHealth Policy > HealthNew figures reveal that NHS A&E waiting times in Scotland reached their worst levels for August, with only 69.4% of patients seen within the four-hour target. Meanwhile, the UK asylum backlog remains significant, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledging it may take three years to resolve.

What's happened

New figures reveal that NHS A&E waiting times in Scotland reached their worst levels for August, with only 69.4% of patients seen within the four-hour target. Meanwhile, the UK asylum backlog remains significant, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledging it may take three years to resolve.

Why it matters

What the papers say

According to The Scotsman, the NHS is 'teetering on the brink' as A&E waiting times hit record lows, with only 69.4% of patients seen within the four-hour target. Health Secretary Neil Gray acknowledged the pressures but noted that similar challenges are faced across the UK. In contrast, The Independent reports on the asylum backlog, with Home Secretary Yvette Cooper admitting that clearing the backlog will take longer than anticipated, potentially up to three years. This highlights the ongoing struggles within the immigration system, which has been criticized for its inefficiency and the impact of previous government policies.

How we got here

The NHS has faced increasing pressure post-COVID, with waiting times worsening significantly. Concurrently, the UK asylum system has been criticized for its backlog, which has persisted for years, exacerbated by previous government policies.

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