Tuesday January 6th 2026
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
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.
Highlighting prolonged progress on planned care, 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.
These numbers are now longer than April 2025 with inpatient and day case treatment waits of 52 weeks also down compared to Aprils figures.
Backed by £135.5 million of targeted Scottish Government funding, the figures also show progress in other areas, including a 6% drop in the waiting list for new outpatient appointments between April and November 2025.
It also highlighted that more than 265,000 inpatient/day case procedures were carried out over a 12-month period to November 2025, a 3.8% increase on the previous year.
Recording an increase from the previous year, the data highlighted over 1.3 million outpatient appointments in a 12-month period to November 2025, which is a 2.8% increase.
Health Secretary Neil Gray explained:
“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.”
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