NHS FORTH VALLEY has come under fire for failing to hit a number of key cancer waiting-time target.

Recent analysis by the BBC has shown NHS Forth Valley is missing key waiting time targets in accident and emergency, cancer care, and planned operations.

The latest figures show that only 93.5 per cent of people who attend A&E in August 2017 were seen within four hours, below the target of 95 per cent.

This makes NHS Forth Valley the worst performing health board in Scotland, and left over 450 people waiting too long for urgent medical treatment in that month alone.

Cancer care figures also look particularly poor according to the new results, with only 81.1 per cent of patients starting treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral, falling significantly short of the 95 per cent target.

For planned operations and care, only 86.4 per cent of patients were treated within 18 weeks, below the target of 90 per cent.

Scottish Conservative MSP Alexander Stewart slated the health board's performance and urged Holyrood to support staff.

He said: "These are worrying statistics, showing patients in the Forth Valley area are not receiving the standard of care they are entitled to.

"It is essential that patients with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer are seen as soon as possible.

"The SNP must now take action to support NHS Forth Valley and its hard working staff to meet these targets, and deliver the best care possible to patients.'

However, Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, hit back by urging patience from the service.

He said: "NHS Scotland is now dealing with more complex and varied challenges than ever before and is now far better equipped to face these than it was in the past. More patients are being seen by more staff and mortality and morbidity continues to decline."

Mr Brown, the cabinet secretary for economy, jobs and fair work, continued: "NHS workers, from managers to clinicians to porters and cleaners, have all played their part in these continuous improvements and continue to do so.

"Our ambitions for the NHS are founded on the twin approach of investment and reform which will be delivered against a backdrop of Tory austerity, which has cut Scotland's budget by nine per cent in a decade.

"Nevertheless, the SNP Government continues to protect and grow NHS budgets – here in Forth Valley, the resource budget has increased by 12.6 per cent in real terms since 2011.

"In recognition that some patients are experiencing longer waits, the Scottish Government announced at the end of May that an additional £50million was being made available to improve waiting time performance across NHS Scotland.

"Changes won't happen overnight, but are part of a clear, long-term strategy of matching increased investment in our NHS with reform to ensure our health service is providing care to the people of Scotland long into the future."

A spokesperson for NSH Forth Valley added: "The vast majority of patients with cancer in Forth Valley are seen and treated very quickly and we consistently meet the 31 day target. Our performance in relation to the 62 day target for cancer treatment has also improved significantly over the last few months.

"Most patients who require an operation are seen within 18 weeks are our performance for this target is above the national average.

"We are continuing to do everything possible to ensure patients with suspected cancer can access tests and treatment as soon as possible."