Accident and emergency departments (A&E) in Scotland's hospitals failed to meet a key waiting times target in March.

A total of 93.1% of all patients were seen and either admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours last month, missing the Scottish Government's interim target of 95%.

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Statistics show 0.7% of patients spent more than eight hours in an A&E department, and 0.2% of patients spent more than 12 hours.

Weekly figures also published on Tuesday show the 95% target was met for the week ending April 24.

A further 0.2% of patients spent more than eight hours in A&E and 0.1% were there for more than 12 hours.

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Commenting on the monthly figures, Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesman Jim Hume said: "Doctors and nurses in our A&E departments are working flat out but they are not getting the support they need from the Scottish Government.

"Liberal Democrat plans to protect the NHS budget in real terms and increase staffing in A&E, with new mental health professionals available 24/7, will make a big difference.

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"But what we are seeing today is the consequences of the SNP allowing the NHS to drift down the agenda.

"Under the SNP, the waiting time target has only been met three times in three years. NHS staff and patients can't wait on the SNP any longer."