New statistics on waiting times and in- and out-patient treatments show that, despite the hard work of staff, the NHS in Lanarkshire is in decline under Scottish Government control.
The statistics, from Public Health Scotland, show, comparing the 12 months ending in March this year with the 12 months ending in March 2024, that in Lanarkshire:
- Outpatient treatments fell by 2,301 (over 5%) – third worst figure in Scotland
- The number of people waiting for an outpatient appointment rose by 592
- The total number of people waiting for inpatient treatment rose by 922 – the fourth worst figure for Scotland
- 5,510 people were waiting more than 52 weeks for an outpatient appointment – close to one in ten of all those waiting
- 2,174 people waiting more than 52 weeks for inpatient appointments – over 15% of all those waiting
- 621 fewer patients were admitted for inpatient treatment.
JOANI REID, MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven, said:
“These figures are a record of failure. Things are getting worse, much worse in many cases, and not better.
“The contrast with the performance of the NHS in England, where the corner has been turned, could not be clearer.
“Our health needs are increasing but services are in decline.
“The NHS in Lanarkshire needs a fresh start.”
