Priorities for tackling orthopaedic waiting times in NHS Scotland

Research output: Contribution to conferencePresentation/Speechpeer-review

Abstract

We have used a simulation to model the national waiting list and patient flows for Orthopaedics across Scotland, and delivered specific insights on: (a) historical, current and future gaps in supply versus demand; (b) activity required in Health Boards and National Treatment Centres (NTCs) to meet waiting times targets as set by the Scottish Government (SG); and (c) identification of risk on a Health Board and NTC basis depending on activity/capacity mismatch.

We conclude that Orthopaedic waiting list activity is potentially still transitioning from an operating state during the pandemic, to a new steady-state of routine operation. However, based on trends projected from current data, it is estimated that many Health Boards may not have a substantial impact on reducing the waiting list size over the coming years. When the four NTCs related to orthopaedics become fully operational, this will improve the overall situation; however, for many Health Boards waiting lists will remain high or increasing.

Our analysis suggests that, in order to reduce waiting lists across all Health Boards in the near-mid-future, substantial increases in orthopaedics capacity are urgently required.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 27 Nov 2024
EventScotland Policy Conferences keynote seminar: Next steps for tackling NHS waiting times in Scotland - Online, United Kingdom
Duration: 27 Nov 202427 Nov 2024
https://www.scotlandpolicyconferences.co.uk/publication/SPC-Wait-Time-24

Conference

ConferenceScotland Policy Conferences keynote seminar
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
Period27/11/2427/11/24
Internet address

Keywords

  • orthopaedic waiting times
  • NHS Scotland
  • National Treatment Centres
  • simulation modelling

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