Patients at Fife A&E endured waits of more than eight hours as the scourge of bed-blocking reared its head again.
Victoria Hospital staff struggled to free up space at the emergency department because pressure in the community care system meant there was nowhere for patients to go.
Fourteen patients had to wait more than eight hours for A&E treatment in the week up to January 3, with 158 people waiting at least four hours.
The proportion of those waiting more than four hours was the worst in Scotland.
An NHS Fife spokesman said demand for treatment at Victoria Hospital’s emergency department is on the rise.
Health Secretary Shona Robison claimed records show the first few weeks of the year are always when A&E performance is under most pressure.
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Bed-blocking at Victoria Hospital sees A&E patients waiting for eight hours
