Scotland's hospital waits shortest ever – Sturgeon

WAITING times in Scottish hospitals have hit an all-time low, according to government figures released yesterday.

Ministers welcomed news that 99.5 per cent of patients referred for in-patient and day care treatment are now seen within nine weeks, well within the 12-week target introduced by the Scottish Government.

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "These statistics mark the best-ever performance by the NHS in Scotland and once again highlight the tremendous efforts that have been made across the health service to reduce waiting times."

The report also showed that 99.9 per cent of new outpatients on Scottish waiting lists waited 12 weeks or less.

Similarly, 96.6 per cent of those visiting accident and emergency units were seen within four hours.

Further figures published yesterday showed there were no inappropriate discharge delays during April in Scottish hospitals, providing another boost for hospital efficiency figures.

Public health minister Shona Robison said: "We now want to see this achievement sustained. Today's figures prove once again that it can be done – the challenge now is to sustain this progress for the benefit of patients and families around the country."