29.02.12
Waiting times reduced in Scotland
Scotland has met new waiting time targets, with over 90% of patients treated within 18 weeks or less. In December 2011, 92% of patients were treated within this timeframe, up from 82.1% in January 2011.
The new target was set at the end of last year and at the end of December, 97.1% of patients had to wait less than 12 weeks for their first outpatient appointment, with 93.3% waiting less than nine weeks for inpatient or day case treatment in hospital. 97.2% of patients waited less than six weeks to have one of eight key diagnostic tests carried out.
Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the news, and said: “We know what patients want – quick access to treatment, delivered as locally as possible. That is why I am pleased to confirm that we have delivered on our target of ensuring patients are treated in 18 weeks or less.
“There has been a tremendous effort across the health service to get us to this point and I would like to congratulate everyone involved. This radical target has required the NHS to completely change internal systems so links are in place for each patient to be seen in the right care setting at the right time.
“Now, rather than having individual waits for consultations and tests, this target will focus on the patient's whole journey from GP referral to treatment. This is the best way to ensure patients get the very best quality of care.”
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