Scotland close to early delivery of 18-week treatment target

THE NHS in Scotland is now even closer to delivering on the 18 weeks referral-to-treatment target ahead of schedule.

Figures published yesterday show that in June, 89.7 per cent of patients whose entire journey could be measured, were seen and treated within 18 weeks from initial referral to start of treatment. A compliance rate of 90 per cent will be in place from 31 December this year.

Figures measuring targets show that at as of 30 June, 99.4 per cent of patients were waiting 12 weeks or less for their first outpatient appointment, with 99.1 per cent waiting less than nine weeks for inpatient or day case treatment.

In addition, 98.4 per cent of patients are waiting six weeks or less for one of the eight key diagnostic tests.