SNP urged to change course to get 770,000 Scots treated

Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Adam Harley MSP has called on the SNP government to “change course" as new figures revealed that there are over 770,000 waits for treatment across the NHS, including thousands of waits lasting more than a year.

New figures published today reveal:

• There are 772,609 ongoing waits for NHS tests and treatments.
• For outpatients, there were more than 14,000 waiting more than a year and more than 1,000 waiting more than two years.
• For inpatients, there more than 16,000 waiting more than a year and  more than 2,000 waiting more than two years.

Adam Harley MSP said:

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

“Being stuck on a waiting list is bad for your mental health and 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've also set out plans 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."