NEW figures reveal Inverclyde Royal's accident and emergency has only met its waiting time targets once in the last year.

The Scottish Government want 95 per cent of patients to be treated within four hours.

But at the IRH that has only happened for one week in April.

On some occasions the rate dropped to as low as 80 per cent.

The performance rate has sparked concern, with Liberal Democrat general election candidate Jacci Stoyle saying the Scottosh Government has failed to support staff.

The ex-nurse said: "As a former nurse in the NHS, I know how hard staff work to deliver high standards of patient care.

"However, SNP ministers must do more to support staff to deliver the standards of care that people expect.

"It’s shocking that for only one week in the past year has Inverclyde’s A&E unit met the 95 per cent target for four hour treatment.

"At times this figure dropped to an appalling 80 per cent.

"It’s time for a new approach to A&E services.”

Latest stats show that up to 20 per cent of patients have had to wait over four hours to see a doctor at casualty.

Ms Stoyle believes more must be done to try and lighten the load on the under pressure department.

She said: "The government need to launch a high profile public information campaign to remind people to seek the best possible route for treatment.

“The Scottish National Party likes to blame others for their own mismanagement.

"Twelve years into a nationalist government it's clear that these failings lie on the First Minister’s doorstep at Bute House."

The Tele invited SNP election candidate Ronnie Cowan to comment but received no response.