- Prolonged progress on planned care
NHS Scotland long waits have fallen for the sixth consecutive
month with significant year-on-year increases in activity,
according to new figures published today.
Public Health Scotland data shows that the number of patients
waiting over 52 weeks for an outpatient appointment fell by 12.8%
in a single month between October and November 2025 – numbers are
now lower than April 2025. Inpatient and day case treatment waits
of 52 weeks are also down compared to April 2025.
Backed by £135.5 million of targeted Scottish Government funding,
the figures show progress in other areas, including:
- a 6% drop in the waiting list for new outpatient appointments
between April and November 2025
- more than 265,000 inpatient / day case procedures carried out
over a 12-month period to November 2025, a 3.8% increase on the
previous year
- over 1.3 million outpatient appointments in a 12-month period
to November 2025, up 2.8% from the previous year.
Health Secretary said:
"These figures demonstrate real and sustained progress in
reducing waiting times for patients across Scotland, ensuring
thousands more people receive the care they need.
“We have delivered record investment of £21 billion for health
and social care, with £135.5 million
of additional funding targeted at specialty areas with
the longest waits.
“There is still much more to do, but I am encouraged that we are
demonstrating consistent month-on-month improvement.
We remain committed to ensuring no patient waits longer than
52 weeks by March 2026."
Background
Stages of treatment waiting
times
These statistics take account of the Scottish Government's
revised Waiting Times Guidance,
which was published in December 2023.
