Due to the changes in the timing and duration of the surveys from which the information is derived, year on year results may not be directly comparable.The Executive gave a commitment, in Fair to All, Personal to Each, published in December 2004, that from the end of 2007, patients will wait no longer than 4 hours between arriving at A&E and admission, transfer or discharge. The Health Department is working with NHS boards to ensure that they are able to meet this target for the benefit of patients throughout Scotland.NHSScotland: Accident And Emergency Waiting Times Surveys 1999–2005.