This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Long waiters at lowest ever level
27/02/2003
New figures show that the number of patients waiting
more than 9 months for inpatient/daycase treatment is at
its lowest level since records began.
The new figures, published by the Information and
Statistics Division (ISD) of the Common Services Agency
show:
- On December 31 2002, no patient with a guarantee
waited more than 12 months for inpatient/daycase
treatment; and
- From 30 September 2002 to December 31 2002, a 48%
reduction in the number of patients with a guarantee
waiting over 9 months for inpatient/daycase treatment
from 3,837 to 1,989. This is the lowest level since
records began in 1992.
The figures should been seen against the background that
50 per cent of patients do not wait at all and, of the
remaining 50 per cent nearly 8 out of 10 are seen within 3
months.
Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm said:
"I am pleased that our focus on tackling those who are
waiting the longest for treatment appears to be paying off.
At the end of September 2002 we saw a small drop in those
waiting over nine months for treatment. These figures show
that drop continuing and we now have the lowest ever number
of patients waiting over 9 months for treatment.
"I believe that this has been down to the work that has
been done not only within Trusts and Boards, but at the
Golden Jubilee National Hospital and our £4 million private
sector orthopaedic initiative to reduce the misery of those
waiting for a hip or knee replacement.
"In fact, from the figures reductions are being made
across a broad front in general surgery of 47%,
orthopaedics of 40%, and urology and ENT of about 50%.
Additionally the number of patients waiting for a hip or
knee replacement over 9 months has reduced by 50% in the
last quarter from September 02 to December 02.
"However, while progress has been made we will not be
complacent, there is still some way to go. But we will
continue to concentrate on those waiting the longest. That
is why we will continue to expand capacity at the Golden
Jubilee National Hospital and why I recently announced a
further £5 million for the private sector orthopaedic
initiative to continue from this April.
"And, as the First Minister has made clear, for everyone
with a 9 month waiting target for inpatient/daycase
treatment, we will turn that into a guarantee by December
2003. This will ensure that patients get the operation they
need whether from NHSScotland, the private sector in
Scotland or elsewhere in the UK and, in execeptional
circumstances in Europe."
Commenting on the rise in waiting list numbers, Mr
Chisholm said:
"The rise is expected as some Trusts have already begun
to merge their deferred and true lists, following the
announcement that we will abolish the deferred waiting list
from April this year."