NHS Scotland has recorded its sixth consecutive monthly fall in long waits, with significant year-on-year increases in activity, according to new figures published by Public Health Scotland.
The data shows that the number of patients waiting over 52 weeks for an outpatient appointment fell by 12.8% between October and November 2025, bringing numbers below April 2025 levels. Inpatient and day case treatment waits of 52 weeks have also decreased compared to April.
Supported by £135.5 million of Scottish Government funding, the figures highlight progress across multiple areas:
- 6% reduction in the waiting list for new outpatient appointments between April and November 2025.
- Over 265,000 inpatient/day case procedures carried out in the 12 months to November 2025 — a 3.8% increase on the previous year.
- More than 1.3 million outpatient appointments delivered over the same period — up 2.8% year-on-year.
Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray commented:
"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 speciality 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."
The sustained improvement reflects ongoing efforts to tackle the backlog and improve patient access to care. Ministers say the investment is helping NHS boards increase capacity, reduce waiting times and deliver more timely treatment for patients across Scotland.
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