Evidence of additional NHS appointments and procedures: FOI release

Information requested

“In April 2024, we promised to put in place an additional 64,000 appointments and procedures by the end of March 2025, and we exceeded that target by delivering 105,500 additional procedures in the first year of my term in office as First Minister.” Evidence this?

Response

As part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to reduce waiting times, an additional £30 million investment to target backlogs was announced in Spring 20241.

This was to fund around 12,000 new outpatient appointments, around 12,000 inpatient procedures and 40,000 diagnostic procedures2.

The Scottish Government worked closely with Health Boards throughout 2024/25 to monitor the progress and impact of the £30 million additional investment through monthly Board reporting.

To the end of March 2025, Boards collectively reported delivery of almost 105,500 additional appointments, surgeries, and procedures to target the longest waits, cancer, and diagnostic backlogs. This is a 65% increase on the 64,000 planned appointments and procedures, mainly due to the volume of diagnostics activity undertaken – see breakdown below:

• Over 15,800 new outpatient appointments of 12,000 delivered (Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Cancer);
• Almost 10,700 of 12,000 surgeries delivered (Urology, Cancer, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, ENT); and
• Almost 79,000 diagnostic procedures delivered (including urgent suspicion of cancer) (MRI, CT, Ultrasound, Scopes, Radiography & reports) – exceeding the original plan to deliver 45,000 by almost 100%.

References
1. www.gov.scot/news/first-instalment-of-gbp-300-million-to-reduce-waiting-times/
2. www.gov.scot/news/30-million-to-reduce-waiting-times/

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