BETSI Cadwaladr’s A&E units were the worst in Wales at ensuring patients were seen within the four-hour target time, figures for August have shown.

The figures show that of the 21,518 patients that attended at either major A&E units or other minor injury or A&E units, 17,255 were seen within four hours, a total of 80.2 per cent.

That figure was below the 84.7 per cent average across Wales and the lowest of the seven Welsh health boards.

Despite the figure for August, it was an improvement on the performance of the board’s A&E units in August last year and Nigel Lee, the board’s director of secondary care, said staff were working hard to ensure patients were not left to wait for treatment.

He said: “All our staff are working extremely hard to ensure patients who visit our emergency departments are cared for as quickly as possible.

“Whilst August 2017 saw a four per cent increase in ambulance demand, the health board did achieve a better performance for patients seen within four hours when compared to last year, up to 80.2 per cent.

“A great deal of work has been done across north Wales to provide alternate places for treatment for patients, especially during the busy holiday season.

“It’s important to note that patients who visit the emergency department are assessed quickly, and those in need of urgent and emergency care are prioritised so that they can receive the treatment they need as soon as possible."

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