Health Secretary visited Gartnavel General
Hospital today to see first-hand how Scottish Government
investment is supporting increased capacity in orthopaedic
services to deliver faster care for patients.
The visit follows the Programme for Government announced by the
First Minister last week, which committed to the delivery
of more than 150,000 additional NHS appointments and procedures,
including in surgical procedures such as hip and knee
replacements compared to last year.
This investment is part of the government's commitment to
strengthening the NHS and ensuring timely access to essential
treatments.
During his visit, Mr. Gray toured Gartnavel's state-of-the-art
theatre complex, where he met with frontline staff involved in
the expanded orthopaedic services. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
will be allocated funding to support the delivery of additional
orthopaedic procedures through extra elective theatres at the
hospital.
Health Secretary said:
“The Scottish Government is determined to increase capacity in
our NHS – making sure people can get the quality care they need
when they need it.
“Increasing orthopaedic capacity here means faster, more
efficient care for those who need it most, allowing patients to
regain mobility and quality of life without unnecessary delays.
“We have seen real progress in the last year, with more than
105,000 appointments and procedures delivered through an
additional £30 million of targeted investment in 2023-34. Now we
want to build on that momentum through the additional £200
million set out in this year's Budget to reduce waiting lists and
to help support reduction of delayed discharge.”
Background
The Programme for Government 2025-26 includes a wide range of
measures to support the NHS and improve public health, including:
- Over 150,000 additional NHS appointments and procedures, with
a 50% increase in surgical procedures such as hip and knee
replacement compared with last year.
- 100,000 enhanced GP appointments by March 2026 for high-risk
conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high
blood sugar, obesity, and smoking.
- Enhanced diagnostic pathways, including targeted cancer
pathways, to help tackle backlogs and achieve the 62-day referral
to treatment standard.
