One patient in Tayside waited 2,049 days for a hip replacement, according to figures released by the NHS.
Many Scots waiting for hip or knee operations opt to go private to beat waiting times(Image: GETTY)
Scots are waiting half a decade for knee and hip operations despite John Swinney claiming the NHS has “turned a corner”.
One patient in Tayside waited 2,049 days for a hip replacement while another in the Highlands waited 1,786 days, according to figures released via Freedom of Information.
Patients suffering from crippling knee pain faced similar delays, with one patient in the Highlands waiting 1,868 days — or more than five years. The median wait for either a hip or knee replacement in 2024-25 was more than a year in five out of 14 territorial health boards.
Scottish Labour, which uncovered the figures, has warned too many Scots were being forced to pay for private treatment for routine operations due to NHS waiting times. Since 2019/20, private admissions have increased by 55 per cent.
Jackie Baillie, Scottish Labour health spokeswoman, said: “These figures show the SNP are putting Scots’ lives on hold for years. Scots who could be working, exercising and living independently are instead forced to endure years of crippling pain because of the SNP’s failure to get waiting lists down.
“Scottish Labour will declare a National Waiting Times Emergency, reduce waiting lists by using all available capacity and allow Scots to get on with their lives by ensuring they get the treatment they need.”
Writing in his regular column for the Record today, John Swinney said: “I know there are still challenges in our NHS, but we are seeing real progress in the health service with waiting lists down, GP numbers up and record numbers of hip and knee operations. We have turned a corner.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie(Image: Ken Jack)
“Our Budget will set out how we will build on that progress. Since I became First Minister, I have done everything in my power to give the NHS the leadership it needs to drive improvements, bring down waiting times and make sure people get the care they need.
“Our plan for the NHS is working, and I am determined to see it through – with me, our NHS will always have the trusted leadership it needs.”
The Record previously revealed how at least 14,383 patients were removed from waiting lists after opting for private treatment between 2019 and 2024, while a further 1,564 have paid medical bills this year alone.
Seven health boards also recorded a surge in the number of patients being removed from an NHS waiting list due to them going private instead.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde does not record who opts to pay for treatment but the health board recorded a 77.7 per cent increase in patients being treated at private healthcare clinics.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Statistics show a record number of hip and knee arthroplasty operations were performed in Scotland in 2024.
“Public Health Scotland statistics published last week have shown that NHS Scotland long waits have fallen for the sixth consecutive month with significant year-on-year increases in activity. These demonstrate real and sustained progress in reducing waiting times for patients across Scotland, ensuring thousands more people receive the care they need.”