Statistics on new outpatient waiting times in Scotland are shown by health board of treatment and specialty.
A GP or other type of professional may refer you an outpatient clinic to receive more specialist opinion about your condition. Once referred, a patient will be added to the clinic’s waiting list.
The waiting time is the time between the date you were referred and the date you were seen at the clinic, taking into account any time you’re unavailable.
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.
NHS Lothian outpatient figures are currently unavailable due to local data supply issues.
Statistics on waiting times for new outpatient cases in Scotland are shown by health board of treatment and specialty.