Accident and emergency units in Scotland's hospitals failed to meet waiting times targets in the week before Christmas as demand for treatment soared.

Figures for the week ending December 24 showed 83.3% of patients were seen within four hours against a target of 95%.

A slight increase from 81.1% the previous week was recorded but the tally was down from 93.5% on the same week in 2016.

The number of patients rose by almost 20% on the same week in the previous year.

A total of 26,569 people visited A&E during the week, up from 22,267 patients during the same week in 2016.

Health boards attributed the rise in demand to acute seasonal illnesses, with the rate of GP consultations for flu and respiratory infections rising by over a quarter.

NHS24 and the Scottish Ambulance Service also reported rises in call volume.

Meanwhile, separate monthly statistics show that during November, 93.3% of people were seen within the four-hour target.

The figure is down slightly from 94.4% in October and 93.6% in November 2016.

Health secretary Shona Robison said: "Our NHS and community health service do a fantastic job all year round but there is no doubt that winter can bring additional demands, and I'd like to thank them once again for the dedication they have shown during this busy winter period.

"We're working with boards to help them cope with pressures and this year alone we have invested £22.4m to create extra resilience across the system."

Deputy chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith said: "These figures illustrate the demands being placed on health staff right across Scotland as a result of spikes in various illnesses such as flu.

"We can all play a part in ensuring demand on our most acute services is minimised, however, by taking time to think of the best way to access treatment.

"Only go to A&E if you have had an accident or you are experiencing significant difficulties, such as trouble breathing or severe bleeding."