The Scottish government has unveiled a new plan aimed at reducing NHS waiting times by expanding hospital care at home and introducing weekend appointments for scans and tests.
Health Secretary Neil Gray announced an additional £200 million investment as part of the nearly £22 billion health budget, with a focus on improving efficiency and increasing the use of digital healthcare services.
A key element of the plan includes implementing a seven-day radiology service to ensure that 95 percent of referrals are seen within six weeks by March next year. Mobile scanning units and additional recruitment will be used to support this initiative.
The government also plans to expand the Hospital at Home programme, which allows patients to receive hospital-level care while staying at home. By the end of 2026, at least 2,000 new virtual hospital beds will be introduced to help ease pressure on NHS facilities.
Gray described the proposals as ambitious but realistic, stating that they would improve accessibility and help clear patient backlogs.
He acknowledged that too many people are waiting too long for diagnostic tests and follow-up treatment, and that these changes are necessary to relieve pressure on the healthcare system.
The plan also focuses on increasing the use of digital services across Scotland by 2026, allowing people to access NHS messages and find local healthcare services online. Flow navigation centres, which direct patients to the most appropriate services for their needs, will also be expanded.
Despite the government’s confidence, the proposals have faced criticism from medical professionals and unions. Some have raised concerns about the impact of a seven-day radiology service on already overworked staff.
The British Medical Association in Scotland warned that radiologists are under extreme pressure, and that the government must take urgent action to provide more resources and support for general practice.
The Royal College of Nursing in Scotland also expressed scepticism, saying that the plan lacks detail and does not explain how its goals will be achieved.
This marks the fifth health service plan introduced by the Scottish government in four years. Other proposals include placing specialist staff in frailty teams at every A&E department in Scotland and investing £10.5 million in general practice to focus on heart disease prevention.
Opposition parties have criticised the plan, with Scottish Labour calling it a collection of recycled ideas that show a lack of ambition. However, the government insists that the new measures will make a real difference in reducing waiting times and improving NHS services for patients across Scotland.
