NHSScotland waiting times guidance: November 2023

2. Purpose

Purpose of this document

This document is an update from the version published in 2012, to provide guidance for Health Boards to assist them in the delivery of the national waiting times standards. The guidance will continue to make sure that patients who are waiting for their appointments are managed fairly and consistently across NHSScotland.

This guidance document should be used in conjunction with The Patient Rights (Scotland) Act 2011, the Patient Rights (Treatment Time Guarantee) (Scotland) Regulations 2012, The Patient Rights (Treatment Time Guarantee)(Scotland)(No 2) Directions (2022), and the NHS Scotland National Access Policy.

The following material is provided for the use of NHS Scotland staff and in particular those who are responsible for collecting and recording patient information on these standards:

• 18 Weeks Referral-To-Treatment for 90% of patients;
• 12 weeks for new outpatient appointments for 95% of patients;
• 6 weeks for the 8 key diagnostic tests and investigations; and
• The 12-Week Treatment Time Guarantee as set out in legislation.

The guiding principles that must be followed for all patients are outlined in this document to ensure everyone is managed fairly and consistently across all of Scotland, with clear roles and responsibilities for both Health Boards, patients and for their families / carers.