This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Best ever performance for NHS Scotland
25/05/2006
The latest NHS waiting times statistics for the beginning of 2006 are the 'best ever', according to Health Minister Andy Kerr.
They show the number of outpatients and inpatients/day cases with a guarantee waiting more than 18 weeks was at its lowest ever level.
They also show that at the March 31 census the six month target for all patients was maintained.
The Minister said:
"NHS Scotland is continuing to deliver. This is our best ever performance on waiting times, something for which hard working NHS staff deserve enormous credit.
"Over the last few years, patients have seen maximum waiting times fall from 12 months, to nine months to six. And we're on track to bring that down even further with our target to cut the maximum wait to 18 weeks for first outpatient appointment or inpatient/day case treatment by December 2007.
"In addition, the use of Availability Status Codes is also falling as we prepare to abolish them completely by 2007.
"These results have been possible thanks to the significant investment and reform we've made and which is now showing real dividends for patients across the country."
Today's statistics came as new figures showed the increasing contribution the Golden Jubilee National Hospital is making in reducing waiting times.
Last year a total of 28,636 procedures were performed at the GJNH - an increase of over 50 per cent on the previous year. This exceeds the target set for the hospital by over 14 per cent.
Mr Kerr added:
"The Golden Jubilee National Hospital offers patients choice, reduced waits and is delivering first class services. It has immeasurably improved the quality of life for many thousands of people who would otherwise have faced longer waits. The National Hospital is proving itself as a centre for excellence in Scotland's NHS."
Jill Young, Chief Executive of the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, said;
"We are very pleased to have exceeded our targets once again. However, it is our patients who come to the Hospital from all parts of Scotland who are the winners in all of this - they are our number one priority.
"This news is also a testimony to the hard work of our staff. They continually rise to the challenge of treating more people year on year, and without them it would be impossible to continue our success."