Waiting lists are falling in Scotland, with waits over 52 weeks reducing for seven months in a row.

Newly released figures show that at 31 December 2025 new outpatient waits of more than 52 weeks had reduced by 15.4 per cent when compared to November 2025. These waits have reduced every month since July 2025 with total waits over 52 weeks down by 40.1 per cent in that period.

To build on the progress, extra funding of up to £20 million is being made available to health boards for the current year.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “These latest figures show our plan is delivering for the people of Scotland and our NHS has turned a corner – we are seeing sustained progress in reducing waiting times with activity also increasing compared to last year.

“Thousands more appointments, operations and procedures are being delivered this year and we are determined to continue to build on this momentum, ensuring people receive the treatment they need as soon as possible.

“We are seeing downward trends across nearly all waiting list indicators which shows our targeted investment this year is having a real impact on people’s lives. None of this would be possible without out hard-working NHS staff and I want to thank each and every one of them for the progress they are delivering.”