In recent months, Scotland has made significant strides in reducing NHS waiting times, with a notable increase in surgeries and procedures performed. The Scottish Government’s ambitious target of 64,000 procedures by the end of March 2025 was exceeded by January 2025, with over 75,500 surgeries and procedures completed. This progress is set to be further enhanced by the expansion of specialist frailty services across all 30 A&E departments, aiming to reduce hospital stays for vulnerable patients and improve overall care quality.
The Scottish Government’s investment of ÂŁ30 million in additional funding has led to substantial reductions in waiting lists across various health board areas and specialties. Between April 2024 and September 2024, notable decreases included a 44% reduction in Imaging waits at NHS Fife, a 22% decrease in Urology waits at NHS Forth Valley, and a 19% decrease in Ear, Nose and Throat waits at NHS Highland. Furthermore, there has been a 4% decrease in the total waiting list size for diagnostics, with waits now at their lowest since October 2021.
The expansion of frailty services is a key component of the Scottish Government’s Operational Improvement Plan for the NHS, supported by a ÂŁ200 million investment announced in the 2025-26 Budget. This initiative aims to establish specialist frailty teams in every A&E department by summer 2025, enabling direct referrals from GPs and the Scottish Ambulance Service. These services will focus on early assessment and care planning for older people with frailty, facilitating quicker discharge and reducing hospital stays.
Frailty Units, which provide intense assessment and care for older people with frailty, have shown promising results. At Glasgow Royal Infirmary, the dedicated frailty service has reduced the average length of stay for vulnerable patients by three days without increasing readmissions. This success is attributed to enhanced coordination among healthcare teams and early Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments (CGAs).
Health Secretary Neil Gray emphasized the importance of replicating this success across Scotland, stating, “We want to drive further improvement. That is why we are investing ÂŁ200 million to help clear waiting list backlogs, improve capacity and reduce delayed discharge”. The goal is to shift the balance of care from acute to community settings, ensuring that people with frailty receive timely and appropriate support.
Frailty affects a significant portion of the elderly population, with up to half of those aged 85 and over experiencing frailty. The current healthcare system faces challenges in managing frailty effectively, including lengthy hospital stays and high readmission rates. However, the expansion of frailty services offers an opportunity to address these issues by providing specialized care that prioritizes early assessment and community-based support.
The Scottish Government’s Operational Improvement Plan will include changes to acute service delivery aimed at reducing waiting times. The plan to ensure no one waits more than 12 months for a new outpatient appointment or inpatient/daycase treatment by March 2026 is ambitious and requires sustained effort. With the additional funding and expansion of frailty services, Scotland is poised to make significant strides in improving healthcare outcomes for its most vulnerable populations.
Scotland’s progress in tackling waiting times and expanding frailty services marks a significant step forward in healthcare. By focusing on early intervention and community-based care, the Scottish Government aims to improve the quality of life for older people with frailty while reducing pressure on the healthcare system. As the NHS continues to evolve, these initiatives will be crucial in ensuring that care is both timely and effective for those who need it most.
