Time ‘to go further’ for Scotland’s NHS, new Health Secretary says

New Health Secretary Angela Constance has said it is time “to go further” as she prepares to set out her commitments to Scotland’s NHS.

Constance has said “people will be at the heart of everything she does” after committing to delivering continued progress in the NHS.

She will set out her commitments to Scotland’s NHS at Parliament on Wednesday following her appointment to the role last month.

These include a detailed plan published within the first 100 days of Parliament which aims to to improve patient flow which would reduce delayed discharge and pressure on A&E departments.

There will also be a focus on continuing to lower waiting times and increased access to community care settings, including GPs.

New health secretary Angela Constance. STV News

Ahead of a visit to the NHS Golden Jubilee in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, Constance said: “I cherish our National Health Service and will do everything in my power to protect, renew and reform our most precious national asset.

“We have made significant progress across the system by reducing long waits, improving access, strengthening primary care and investing in prevention and innovation.

“It’s time to go further by making access to healthcare easier and at the heart of everything we do will be people – the staff who deliver care with skill and compassion every day, and the patients and families who depend on our NHS.

“We are not complacent. I know there is more work to do but I am ready to deliver further progress in our NHS.”

Constance’s commitments come as she pointed to some healthcare targets met over the last year.

These include waits of more than a year for new outpatient appointments down by 77% since July 2025 and in excess of 168,000 additional appointments and procedures having been delivered in 2025-26, when compared to the previous year, exceeding the 150,000 target.