More than 800,000 still on NHS waiting lists

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today said the SNP are disastrous for your health after figures showed that 848,991 are on NHS waiting lists.

New figures from Public Health Scotland show that as at 31st October 2025, 547,179 were on an outpatient waiting list, while 155,807 were on an inpatient waiting list.

Figures published today also showed that, as at 30th September, the total waiting list size for eight key diagnostics tests combined was 146,005. This is the latest number for diagnostic waits and when combined with the stages of treatment figures published today, brings the total number of Scots on a waiting list to 848,991.

Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

"These figures represent people waiting in pain for far too long. They are unable to get on in life and it’s hurting the economy.

“SNP health secretaries have come and gone, each promising to bring down waits, but failing every time. Waiting times in Scotland are far worse than in England and the much-lauded national treatment centres have yet to materialise.

“After almost two decades in charge, the SNP have proved to be disastrous for your health.

“Scotland deserves change with fairness at its heart, which is what the Scottish Liberal Democrats are offering. At next May’s election, everyone can vote for that by backing my party on their second, peach-coloured regional ballot paper.”