THE SNP government must “get a grip” on A&E waits or face a “winter time-bomb,” Scottish Labour says.

Labour issued the warning today as Public Health Scotland released data showing that 66.8 per cent of those attending A&E on the week up to July 7 waited longer than four hours, compared to a target of 95 per cent.

Scottish Labour points to a deterioration compared to the 68.8 per cent figure over same period last year as signs of a tough winter ahead.

Scottish Labour’s Dame Jackie Baillie said: “If waiting times are sliding while the sun is shining, how will our battered NHS cope when pressure increases in the colder months ahead?

“The new UK Labour government will provide the funds for 160,000 NHS appointments but it’s the SNP government’s responsibility to get a grip and stop this winter time-bomb before it’s too late.”

A Scottish government spokesperson recognised “long delays remain too high,” adding: “We are continuing to work with boards to reduce long waits and support delivery of sustained improvements.”