More operations performed on NHS but cancelled procedures also rise

The number of NHS operations cancelled in October was higher than a year ago despite more procedures being performed, figures show.

Public Health Scotland data shows 9.3% of planned operations in October were cancelled the day before or on the day the patient was due to be treated in NHS Scotland, totalling 2,601 procedures.

This is higher than the cancellation figure for October 2024, which was 8.7% – 2,155 operations. In October 2019, 8.5% of operations (2,468) were cancelled.

Of all operations planned during October 2025, 783 were cancelled by the hospital for clinical reasons, 828 were cancelled by the patient, 894 were axed by the hospital due to capacity or non-clinical reasons, and 96 were cancelled for other reasons.

This is despite a 12.2% increase in operations that took place in October 2025 compared with the same month of last year.

In the latest 12 months, from November 2024 to October 2025, there was a 4.5% increase in the number of planned operations to 297,014, compared to the previous 12 months of 284,282.

However, this was 10.7% lower than 332,698 operations planned in the 12 months from November 2018 to October 2019, prior to the pandemic.

On the increase in operations in October this year, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “These figures are more evidence that we are turning a corner in the NHS and our plan is working.

“We are building real momentum in our efforts to recover NHS capacity and reduce waiting times for patients across Scotland.

“Reaching the highest number of planned and performed operations since before the pandemic is a significant milestone and testament to the hard work and dedication of NHS staff across the country.

“Both our national treatment centres and our strategic investment in health boards are adding thousands of additional procedures for patients who need them, and we will continue to expand capacity.

“This Government is determined to reduce long waiting times and while we know there is more to do, it is clear that our plan to drive improvements in the NHS is paying off.”