Public Health Scotland has released diagnostic waiting times statistics for the quarter ending 31 December 2025, covering eight key diagnostic tests across endoscopy and radiology. At quarter-end, the combined waiting list stood at 123,992 ongoing waits, comprising 29,661 for endoscopy and 94,331 for radiology. The total decreased by 15% compared with the previous quarter-end and reached its lowest level since August 2021. Alongside waiting times, newly published activity data show that 245,377 key diagnostic tests were completed during the quarter, the highest quarterly total since the activity series began. The report also reviews performance against the six-week standard and outlines operational and reporting factors that may influence trends, including national commitments and local actions to expand diagnostic capacity.
Radiology Drives Overall Reduction in Waits
The reduction in the combined waiting list was largely attributable to radiology, which fell by 20,887 waits, an 18% decrease from the previous quarter-end. Endoscopy waits decreased by 1,126, representing a 4% reduction. Within radiology, the most substantial decreases were recorded for non-obstetric ultrasound, MRI and CT. Barium studies showed a small increase in waits, although volumes remain comparatively low. Several NHS boards recorded notable quarterly reductions in their combined waiting lists, including NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, NHS Lothian, NHS Grampian and NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
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Performance against the six-week standard improved during the quarter. On 31 December 2025, 57% of all ongoing waits, equivalent to 70,999 patients, had not exceeded six weeks. This marked an increase compared with both the previous quarter-end and the same point in the previous year. Differences between service types remained evident. In endoscopy, 42% of waits were within six weeks, compared with 62% in radiology. Among radiology tests, CT recorded the highest proportion of waits within six weeks, while MRI recorded the lowest. In endoscopy, colonoscopy had the highest share within six weeks, whereas lower endoscopy had the lowest across the eight key tests.
Long Waits and Measurement Factors
Despite the overall reduction in waiting lists and improved six-week performance, long waits continue to affect a proportion of patients. At quarter-end, 2,669 waits had been ongoing for more than 52 weeks, accounting for 2% of all ongoing waits. Of these, 2,504 related to endoscopy and 165 to radiology. Compared with the previous quarter-end, radiology waits over 52 weeks reduced slightly, while endoscopy waits over 52 weeks decreased both quarter on quarter and compared with the same quarter in the previous year.
Trend data indicate seasonal variation in the proportion of waits within six weeks, with winter periods associated with dips followed by recoveries. Over the longer term, radiology has shown a marked increase in the share of waits within six weeks between end December 2022 and end December 2025. Endoscopy has also improved over this period, although to a lesser extent. The rise in radiology performance is described in the context of actions taken by NHS boards in response to a commitment that 95% of referrals to radiology will be seen by 31 March 2026.
The report also highlights methodological considerations that may affect interpretation. Waiting times are measured to the point when verified results are available to the requester. However, IT system constraints can result in waits being closed on the day the test is carried out, even if verified results are not yet available. Variations in calculation methods between NHS boards may also limit direct comparability, although the data remain suitable for monitoring changes over time.
Record Diagnostic Activity in the Quarter
During the quarter ending 31 December 2025, 245,377 key diagnostic tests were completed, including 211,859 radiology tests and 33,518 endoscopy tests. This represented a 6% increase on the previous quarter and a 10% increase on the same quarter in the previous year. The rise was driven primarily by radiology, which increased by 7% quarter on quarter, while endoscopy activity increased by 1%.
Across the quarter, 66% of completed tests, amounting to 161,297 procedures, were carried out within six weeks. December 2025 recorded the highest monthly volume within the quarter, with 53,238 tests completed within six weeks, corresponding to 68% for that month. Endoscopy recorded a higher proportion of completed tests within six weeks than radiology over the quarter.
Activity trends varied across individual tests. In endoscopy, increases were observed in cystoscopy, upper endoscopy and lower endoscopy, while colonoscopy activity declined compared with the previous quarter. In radiology, non-obstetric ultrasound, MRI and CT all recorded increased activity, whereas barium studies activity decreased. The report notes that activity data count multiple tests arising from a single referral separately, while waiting times data may apply different counting rules under earlier guidance.
The publication also refers to a commitment to provide 150,000 additional appointments and procedures for diagnostic tests, inpatient and day case procedures and new outpatient appointments in 2025/26 compared with 2024/25. Activity for the eight key diagnostic tests between April and December 2025 is reported as higher than in the same period of the previous year.
The latest quarter shows a continued reduction in Scotland’s diagnostic waiting list, reaching its lowest level since August 2021, alongside record levels of completed activity. Radiology accounted for most of the quarterly reduction and demonstrated stronger performance against the six-week standard, while endoscopy continues to carry the majority of year-long waits. Around two-thirds of completed tests were delivered within six weeks during the quarter. The statistics also underline that operational initiatives, national commitments and measurement constraints shape how waiting times and activity trends should be interpreted in assessing system performance.
Source: Public Health Scotland
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