Ending long waits will be my Government’s legacy, says Swinney

John Swinney has said he is “determined” for ending long waits in the NHS to be his Government’s “lasting legacy”.

The First Minister spoke as he announced a £90m boost for the health service, provided to individual boards in a bid to increase capacity.

Swinney has said he expects “to see month-on-month” reductions in waiting times as he challenged health boards to be “focused on accelerating progress”.

Ahead of May’s election, the Government missed its own target to eradicate year-long waits for treatment in the NHS, with the First Minister saying he expected the target to be met within months.

“Over the past year we have seen long waits falling with new outpatient waits over 52 weeks reducing for 12 months in a row,” he said following a visit to the national treatment centre in Fife.

“Our network of national treatment centres have been key to this success with thousands more procedures taking place.

“The direction of travel is positive, but there is more work to do – I am determined that ending long waits for NHS treatment will be my Government’s lasting legacy.

“This dedicated funding of £90m will support those waiting the longest for treatment and help to create more capacity within our wider healthcare system. I am confident we will continue to see long waits reduce but I need our health boards focused on accelerating progress.

“People can expect delivery with my Government. I have been clear with health boards that I will expect to see month-on-month reductions on the back of this new investment.

“This investment supports our commitment to building an NHS fit for the future. Initiatives including GP walk-in services and Hospital at Home are expanding access so patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“We have also committed to publishing a new hospital flow plan during our first 100 days in office.”