Over 760,000 NHS waits show government must change direction and meet challenge

Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Adam Harley MSP has called on the SNP government to “change direction" as new figures revealed that there are over 760,000 waits for treatment across the NHS, including thousands of waits lasting more than a year.

New figures published today reveal:

• There are 766,236 ongoing waits for NHS tests and treatments.
• Of these, there are 8,376 outpatient waits of a year or longer and 657 outpatient waits of two years or longer.
• The total waiting list size also includes 7,822 inpatient waits of a year or longer and 1,214 inpatient waits of up to 2 years.

Adam Harley MSP said:

“The Scottish Government urgently needs to change direction to meet the challenges facing our NHS.

“Being stuck on a waiting list makes it extremely difficult to get on in life and return to work. It also increases the chances of your condition deteriorating.

“Staff shortages and a neglect of social care are a big part of why people are waiting so long for the treatment they need.

“I want the government to listen to my party’s plan for a rolling 10-year NHS Workforce Plan, so we can identify gaps in staffing and resolve them early on.

“We also need to make sure care workers and care packages are in place for patients who are medically ready to return home from hospitals. That's how we free up more space inside hospitals and get people the treatment they need in good time."