Statistics from Public Health Scotland have revealed that by the end of August, 22 of 41 specialities had no patients waiting more than two years for treatment.

A target was set in July to clear two-year waits in most specialities by the end of August.

The statistics show that 31 of 41 specialities had no or fewer than ten patients waiting more than two years and 10 of 14 territorial Health Boards had five patients or fewer waiting more than two years.

Some patients could not be seen by the end of August due to personal or clinical reasons.

90 per cent of the two-year waits are in Ayrshire and Arran and Grampian Health Board. The Scottish Government said it will work closely with the Boards which still have long waits.

Scottish health secretary Humza Yousaf said: “I would like to thank all NHS staff for their phenomenal work to tackle these long waits, their efforts will have an overwhelming positive impact on the lives of patients who have had their waits for treatment exacerbated by the pandemic.  

“This is real progress on our recovery journey and we can now see the healthcare system is beginning to turn as we make positive steps forward in our recovery from the pandemic - we must stay focused on these efforts.

“With two boards together accounting for 90% of all patients waiting over two years, we will work intensely with these boards to ensure the remaining waits are cleared as soon as possible.”