NHS Tayside is one of the few health boards in Scotland to have met the government’s accident and emergency waiting times target.
More than 98% of patients in the region are seen at A&E within four hours, new statistics reveal.
Of the country’s 14 health boards, only NHS Tayside, NHS Highland, NHS Orkney and NHS Shetland have reached the mark.
Fife and Forth Valley had among the lowest rates with just 87.9% seen within the time limit in February this year.
NHS Tayside clinical lead for A&E Shobhan Thakore said: ”NHS Tayside’s A&E staff are working extremely hard to meet waiting times targets and they should be commended for this.
”However, we are not complacent and will continue to do all that we can to ensure that waiting times are kept as low as possible for patients in Tayside.
”The public can help us to keep waiting times to a minimum by ensuring that they keep A&E for real emergencies.”
Perth councillor Alexander Stewart, whose ward includes Perth Royal Infirmary, heaped praise on PRI staff.
He said: ”I would like to pay tribute to the medical and ancillary staff for this outstanding achievement at the Fair City hospital.
”I have, in the past, challenged some of their targets but on this occasion the praise and recognition is well deserved.
”However, we must not rest on our laurels and ensure that patient care is always the priority not budget constraints and directives.”