Public Health Scotland figures for 31 March 2025 showed there were 63,406 over one year waits, up by 16,117 (+34.1%) compared to 31 March 2024.

Of these, 5,262 waits had exceeded two years, up by 3,930 over the same period and the highest number reported.

The Government's Treatment Time Guarantee (TTG) pledges patients should wait no longer than 12 weeks for treatment as an inpatient or day case.  

Scottish First Minister John Swinney announced plans for 150,000 extra appointments and procedures in January 2025.

An Operational Improvement Plan setting out how the Government plans to improve access to treatment, reduce waiting times and shift the balance of care from hospitals to primary care followed in March 2025.

A Scottish government spokesperson said: ‘It is encouraging and indeed a testament to our hardworking NHS staff that the statistics published this week are showing improvements in some outpatient, diagnostic and inpatient/day case waiting times performance metrics.

‘Our 2025-26 Budget provides record funding of £21bn for health and social care - with NHS boards receiving an additional £200m to reduce waiting lists and help support reduction of delayed discharge. Significant additional activity is now underway following this investment.

‘We have already made good progress through our targeted funding approach. NHS boards have exceeded the commitment to deliver 64,000 appointments and procedures in 2024-25, funded through our £30m investment, with boards reporting delivery of 105,500 appointments and procedures.'