A spokesperson for NHS Lanarkshire has warned of concern for patient safety today as A&E wait times surge to over 12 hours.

The Glasgow Times previously reported that the Wishaw General, Hairmyres and Monklands Hospitals in Lanarkshire had returned to the highest risk level in July as a result of 'significant pressures' caused by bed and staff shortages.

Speaking today, NHS Lanarkshire director of acute services Judith Park said: "Our three acute hospitals have been working beyond full capacity now for a number of weeks.

“However, the situation has become even bleaker at the start of this week, with patients waiting in excess of 12 hours to be seen and assessed in our ED departments due to the overwhelming demand.

“Once these patients are eventually seen, a lack of bed capacity and the lack of flow through the hospital means there is additional pressure in admitting these patients who require emergency care in an overcrowded setting.

“Given the current situation in our hospitals, this has become a patient safety issue."

Park went on to urge members of the public to only visit A&E departments if their condition is urgent or 'life threatening'.

She said: “If people can wait, they can access their local GP or pharmacy or other community services when they are open.

"If someone is just looking for advice there is a raft of information and helpful guidance on the NHS Inform website.

“Finally, if someone does have to come to one of our emergency departments, they need to be prepared to face extremely long waits to be seen, in some instances over 12 hours.

"This can lead to patients getting frustrated with our staff but we ask that people be patient and be kind and considerate to our staff.

"We are working extremely hard in very difficult circumstances to do the very best we can for each and every one of our patients.”

For more information on NHS Lanarkshire click here.

NHS 24 can be accessed by calling 111.