The number of planned and performed operations in Scotland has
reached its highest level since January 2020, new figures
published today show.
In the 12 months to October 2025, there were 297,014 operations
planned - a 4.5% increase from the previous 12 months - whilst
271,328 operations were performed, a 4.6% increase.
Both figures represent the highest levels since before the
pandemic and demonstrate the positive trajectory of the Scottish
Government's plan to rebuild NHS capacity and reduce waiting
times.
This is in addition to five consecutive months of reductions in
long waits with new outpatient waits of over a year reduced by
17.9% between April 2025 and October 2025. In the same period,
the total over 52 week waiting list size for new
inpatient/daycase procedures also reduced by 26.1%.
Health Secretary said:
"These figures are more evidence that we are turning a corner in
the NHS and our plan is working. We are building real momentum in
our efforts to recover NHS capacity and reduce waiting times for
patients across Scotland.
"Reaching the highest number of planned and performed operations
since before the pandemic is a significant milestone and
testament to the hard work and dedication of NHS staff across the
country.
"Both our National Treatment Centres and our strategic investment
in health boards are adding thousands of additional procedures
for patients who need them, and we will continue to expand
capacity.
“This government is determined to reduce long waiting times and
while we know there is more to do, it is clear that our plan to
drive improvements in the NHS is paying off.”
Despite continuing pressures on the system, NHS Scotland carried
out 815 operations per day in October 2025, an increase from 731
in October 2024. Over the 12 months to October 2025, there were
743 operations carried out per day, up from 711 in the year
ending October 2024.
Background
The National Treatment Centres programme - the single biggest
increase in planned care capacity ever created in NHS Scotland -
also continues to steadily grow, with activity set to rise from
over 20,000 procedures in 2024/25 to over 30,000 in 2025/26.
Health Boards will protect planned care for specific specialities
through our investments in Gartnavel, Inverclyde Royal Hospital
and through our National Treatment Centres. These sites will
deliver over 2,500 additional orthopaedic and 9,500 cataract
procedures per year.
