Betsi Cadwaladr’s A&E units were the worst performing in Wales in October, with just 60.6 per cent of people seen inside the target time of four hours.

Almost 15,000 patients attended A&E departments in Betsi Cadwaladr hospitals during the month, but despite the target being 95 per cent of patients being seen inside four hours, just 60.6 per cent were seen inside that time.

However, that was actually an improvement on the figure for September, when 60.1 per cent of patients were seen inside the four hour target time. Of the three hospitals, Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor performed the best, seeing 71.1 per cent of patients within four hours.

Ysbyty Glan Clwyd saw just 57.3 per cent inside four hours and Wrexham Maelor just 54.6 per cent.

The Wales average was 75.3 per cent of patients being seen inside the four-hour target time.

The best performing health board in Wales was Cardiff and Vale, although the health board also didn’t meet the 95 per cent target, seeing 80.7 per cent of patients inside four hours.

Hywel Dda Health Board was the second best in Wales.

A health board spokesperson said: “We continue to work hard to improve our performance on emergency department waits, and apologise to anyone who has experienced a lengthy wait.

“People who visit our emergency department are prioritised based on the level of the care they need, and we continue to urge people to help us deliver the best care we can by choosing the right source of treatment to meet their needs.

“Many people who come to our emergency departments could get help and support much more quickly by going to one of our minor injuries units, their GPs or a local pharmacy.”

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