Scotland's health service has delivered real improvements under the first three years of an SNP Government.  A series of new reports highlight the real improvements in waiting times, dentistry and moves to reduce "bed blocking" or delayed discharge.

Welcoming the lowest ever waiting times in the NHS Health Secretary and SNP Depute Leader Nicola Sturgeon said:

"These statistics mark the best ever performance by the NHS in Scotland and once again highlight the tremendous efforts that have been made across the health service to reduce waiting times.

"I'd like to pay tribute to the hard work of staff who have significantly exceeded the 12 weeks standard for inpatient and day case treatment. "

The success of the health service was also praised by former GP and Lothians MSP Dr Ian McKee who contrasted the SNP's record of achievement with Labour's failure to build a healthier Scotland.

“In 2007 one of the SNP’s key commitments was to make Scotland healthier. Under Labour hospitals were closing, patients were being pushed onto hidden waiting lists, hospital infections were up and there was a shortage of dentists across the country.

“The contrast between the achievements of the NHS in the three years of SNP Government and Labour's failure to deliver for the health service is stark.

“As today’s statistics show in April 2010 there are no patients staying in hospital longer than they need to, under Labour there were over 200 delayed discharges in April 2007 and over 2000 in 2001.

“Under the SNP there are now more dentists across Scotland and more dental registrations with the number of children registered increasing from only 67% when Labour left office to 81% in 2010 and the number of adults registered increasing from just over 40% to over 60%.

“For patients, not only have Labour’s hidden waiting lists been abolished, but waiting times are at their lowest ever with over 99.5 % of people being treated and receiving tests ahead of the target waiting times.

“And with MRSA and C.Diff rates also falling dramatically, Accident and Emergency units kept open and investment going into new facilities under the SNP Government these figures show real improvement in the NHS over the last three years."