Further to the answer to question S2W-1932 by Malcolm Chisholm on 2 September 2003, what the most recent average waiting times are for firs…

The number of first out-patient neurology appointments and the median waiting time for a first outpatient appointment with a consultant in the specialty of neurology, following referral by a general medical practitioner, by NHS board area of residence, in the year ended 31 March 2004, is given in the table.
As part of the Centre for Change and Innovation Outpatient Programme, I recently announced a £2.95 million neurology initiative aimed at reducing out-patient waiting times. This initiative will support delivery of our national maximum waiting time commitment that no patient will wait more than 26 weeks for a first outpatient appointment with a consultant, following referral by their GP, by the end of 2005.
NHSScotland: Number of First Out-patient Appointments and Median Waiting Times1 for a First Outpatient Appointment with a Consultant in the Specialty of Neurology, Following Referral by a General Medical Practitioner, by NHS Board Area of Residence. Year Ended 31 March 2004P
NHS Board of Residence
| Number of Appointments
| Median Wait
(Days)

Argyll and Clyde
| 773
| 76

Ayrshire and Arran
| 227
| 48

Borders
| 239
| 103

Dumfries and Galloway
| 38
| 111*

Fife
| 1,003
| 109

Forth Valley
| 824
| 60

Grampian
| 1,984
| 68

Greater Glasgow
| 2,641
| 87

Highland
| 324
| 108

Lanarkshire
| 1,170
| 132

Lothian
| 4,236
| 29

Orkney
| 14
| X

Shetland
| 25
| 173*

Tayside
| 1,045
| 97

Western Isles
| 44
| 81*

Scotland
| 14,587
| 70

Source: ISDScotland, SMR00.
X: not shown due to small numbers, less than 15 appointments.
*Figures to be viewed with caution as derived from small numbers (more than 14 but less than 50 appointments ).
p Provisional.
Note: Excludes patients with an Availability Status Code.