The Scottish Government has announced the allocation of over £106 million to health boards across the country to help tackle the longest waits for NHS procedures and operations.
The targeted funding will be used in specialty areas where delays are most severe, including:
- £25 million for trauma and orthopaedics
- £21 million for imaging services
- £14 million for cancer treatment
- £12 million+ for ophthalmology
This investment is part of the £200 million Programme for Government aimed at building capacity, reducing delayed discharges, and improving patient flow through hospitals.
Neil Gray, Scottish Health Secretary, said:
“This government is focussed on taking the action needed to cut waiting lists - significant activity is already underway through this additional investment which will help us target the longest waits for treatment.
“We are determined to reduce patient waits in the year ahead and this £106 million of additional funding will help us to deliver more than 150,000 extra appointments and procedures in 2025-26. This funding is just part of our record investment of £21.7 billion for health and social care this year.
“Last year, health boards vastly exceeded the commitment to deliver 64,000 appointments and procedures – instead delivering more than 105,000 through our targeted approach. This investment will allow us to build on this progress and deliver tangible improvements for patients.”
The funding will support health boards in increasing treatment volumes, reducing backlogs, and improving access to critical services. By focusing on the longest waits, the government aims to deliver faster care for patients and relieve pressure on frontline NHS staff.
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