The site uses anonymous third party analytic cookies: in accessing any element/area of the site outside of this banner, you consent to receiving cookies.

Knowledge Hub

£50m to tackle waiting times in Scotland as NHS fails to meet targets again

Is there enough money in Scotland’s health system to meet performance targets?

 

The Scottish Government has announced a £50m investment to help health boards tackle the longest waits for treatment.

 

The announcement came on the eve of publication of the latest official figures, which show that performance against waiting times targets continues to worsen, with almost a quarter of patients waiting longer than the supposedly legally binding 12 weeks.

 

Health Secretary Shona Robison said the £50m would ensure prompt treatment and allow health boards to target money where it is most needed.

 

Additionally, the Scottish Government is appointing two independent diagnostic leads who will scrutinise services and ensure that tests are delivered in a consistent way.

 

Clare Donaghy, head of Scotland for Bowel Cancer UK and Beating Bowel Cancer, said the move was a step in the right direction and urged the new diagnostic leads to tackle endoscopy as a priority.

 

Further information

Scottish Government: Measures to improve NHS performance