Karen Adam MSP Welcomes Continued progress on cutting NHS waiting times across Banffshire & Buchan Coast

New national data shows real and sustained progress in bringing down long waits for treatment, progress that is being felt in communities across Banffshire and Buchan Coast.

Between April and October 2025, long waits for new outpatient appointments of over a year fell by 17.9%, marking the fifth consecutive month of improvement. Over the same period, the total waiting list for new inpatient and day case procedures dropped by 26.1%, showing that services are steadily recovering from the pressures built up during the pandemic.

Health Secretary Neil Gray highlighted the hard work of NHS staff and the impact of targeted Scottish Government investment:

“These figures show we are turning a corner in our efforts to reduce the backlog caused by the pandemic and our plan is working, long waits are reducing, and we are treating patients more quickly. We are seeing downward trends across nearly all waiting list indicators and this is testament to the tireless work of our NHS staff - I thank them for their outstanding efforts.

“The First Minister put health at the very heart of this year’s budget, and we are seeing the tangible impact of our additional targeted investment of £135.5 million. Outpatient waits over a year are down 17.9% and inpatient/day case waits have reduced by 26.1% - this is the first time we have seen this level of sustained improvement since the pandemic.

“Thousands more appointments, operations and procedures are being delivered this year and we are determined to continue to build on this momentum, ensuring people receive the treatment they need as soon as possible.”

Welcoming the progress locally, Karen Adam MSP said:

“Across Banffshire and Buchan Coast, people know how stressful long waits can be, for families, for older neighbours, and for anyone living with pain or uncertainty. Seeing these waiting lists finally moving in the right direction brings a real sense of hope.

Our local NHS teams have been working flat out, often in the toughest conditions, and this sustained improvement shows their dedication is paying off. There’s still more to do, but this is a moment to recognise how far we’ve come. I’ll keep standing up for the investment and support our communities need so that everyone here can get the care they deserve when they need it.”

Across Scotland, health boards have reported significant reductions in long waits between April and October 2025.

More patients are now being seen within 12 weeks, with 58.3% of inpatient/daycases treated within that period in October, up from 56.7% in March. For outpatient appointments, 61.9% were completed within 12 weeks, also an improvement.

While there is still work ahead, the consistent downward trend marks the strongest period of progress since the pandemic and offers renewed confidence that waiting lists can continue to improve.