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NHS activity statistics
30/03/2010
Figures released today show that the NHS in Scotland is continuing to deal with more patients than ever before.
The total number of hospital discharges increased by 3.9 per cent to 1,400,000 in March 2009 from 1,347,000 in March 2008.
Provisional statistics released for the most recent quarter ending December 2009 also show an increase in activity of 1.7 per cent compared to the previous year.
Commenting on the figures Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon said:
"These figures show that the NHS in Scotland in continuing to deal with even more activity. Shorter lengths of stay, fewer returning outpatients and shifting care to more community based settings are all having an impact on a more effective and efficient healthcare system.
"Orthopaedics in particular has seen a significant rise in activity with the number of inpatient discharges increasing by 31 per cent from March 2005 and March 2009. The Scottish Government has continued to increase investment in orthopaedic services to drive this forward, with £370 million dedicated towards this area in the last year alone.
"This is about delivering the best possible services for patient and NHS staff have worked tirelessly to deliver this - both in hospitals and the community - and I would like to pay tribute to their efforts."
The figures released today include a revision of figures for the year 2008-2009 and the provisional acute activity statistics for the quarter ending December 2009.