The SNP Government has announced a major boost for NHS patients, delivering 213,000 more appointments and procedures this year compared to 2024/25. This exceeds the Scottish Government’s original commitment by over 60,000, thanks to £110 million in targeted investment.

The plan includes:

• 195,000 imaging scans
• 31,000 inpatient or day-case procedures
• 88,000 new outpatient appointments
• 4,100 new dermatology outpatient appointments, backed by an additional £4 million to reduce significant backlogs.

A proportion of the funding will also support cancer care and critical services like diagnostics and pre-assessment. This is part of First Minister John Swinney’s Programme for Government promise to tackle long NHS waits.

Martyn Day, SNP Candidate for Falkirk East andLinlithgow welcomed the news, saying:

“This SNP Government is stepping up with real action – not only delivering on its promise but going further to cut waiting times and improve care. Scotland’s NHS is one of our most cherished public services, and I know how frustrating long waits can be for people in Falkirk East and Linlithgow.

I’m especially pleased to see extra funding for dermatology, cancer and imaging services – these are critical areas for early diagnosis and treatment. My heartfelt thanks go to our hardworking NHS staff who make this progress possible. They deserve our full support.”

This extra capacity is a vital step in getting the NHS back on track and ensuring patients are seen faster, closer to home.