New data from the NHS in Scotland shows that waiting lists have fallen and waits of more than a year have reduced for the fourth month in a row.

Compared to August, September saw a 7.3 per cent decrease in new outpatient waits longer than a year.

The total waiting list for outpatients has decreased by 2.0 per cent on the same month last year, and the inpatient and daycase waiting list has fallen by 0.2 per cent over the same period.

The figures also show that activity has increased, with the number of new outpatient attendances for September increasing by 10,136 (9.5 per cent) to 116,776 attendances when compared with August. There has also been an increase of more than 31,000 appointments and procedures from April to September compared to same period in 2024.

Health secretary Neil Gray said: “These new figures show our plan is working and delivering for the people of Scotland – we have provided more than £110 million of additional targeted funding this year to tackle the longest waits and we are now seeing the tangible impact of our significant investment.

“We are not only seeing the total list size and longest waits come down, but we are also treating more people with activity increasing significantly compared to last month and last year. My thanks to all teams across the country who are working so hard to drive these improvements.

“Despite this progress, we know that many people are still facing unacceptable waits and we are determined to build on these improvements and ensure people receive the treatment they need as soon as possible.”