Information on inpatient and day case waiting times for local health boards and specialties in Scotland
Once treatment is agreed, after tests and diagnosis, a patient will be added to the waiting list. Waiting times are calculated from that moment to the start of treatment, taking into account any time you’re unavailable. If your care is urgent, you may be seen sooner.
Waiting times can vary across local health boards. Different specialties may also experience a range of waiting times.
There have been many significant changes affecting Planned Care Waiting Times in recent years. This includes pandemic backlogs, staff shortages and challenging winter periods.
How long you wait will also depend on how urgent your need for treatment is (clinical urgency). Waiting times for less urgent care may be longer due to rising patient demand.
The Scottish Government has published the Equality, Opportunity, Community: New Leadership Prospectus. This sets out how it will ensure the recovery and reform of the NHS, reducing waiting times year on year.
Statistics on waiting times for inpatient or day cases in Scotland are shown by health board of treatment and specialty.