Scottish NHS patient numbers reach record high

Official government figures have shown that the number of patients being treated by Scottish NHS hospitals has risen to a record high.

More than one million main procedures – such as diagnostic tests or surgical procedures – took place in 2012/13, an increase of 19 percent from 2006/07, while the number of day cases, inpatients and outpatients have also risen.

It was also revealed that the average length of stay for all inpatients in 2012/13 fell to a benchmark low of 4.7 days, showing a steady decrease from 5.7 days in 2006/07.

This follows the publication of waiting time statistics last month that showed patients in Scotland are receiving their treatment quicker than ever before.

Health secretary Alex Neil said: "Scotland's NHS is constantly evolving to ensure it meets the demands of our changing population – not least the vast increase in numbers of people living longer lives."

However, the figures also revealed an increase in the number of complaints from NHS Scotland patients, a matter that Mr Neil said is being addressed.