National Elective Coordination Unit unlocks capacity to help waiting times for NHS Scotland

NHS Golden Jubilee’s Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD) is driving efficiency and improving patient access through its National Elective Coordination Unit (NECU), a national resource that matches service demand with available capacity across health boards, ensuring every appointment slot is used to maximum effect. 

Since its launch, NECU has played a pivotal role in tackling waiting times and optimising resources, delivering benefits for patients, clinicians, and the wider health system. By centralising and streamlining appointment validation, NECU ensures that care is provided promptly to those who need it most while avoiding unnecessary appointments. 

NECU has delivered the following: 

• Validated 298,000 patient cases (inpatient and outpatient), freeing up capacity and shortening waits. 

• Saved more than 24,000 unnecessary appointments  

• Achieved £9.4 million in cost avoidance for NHS Scotland due to their campaigns. 

• Co-ordinated over 16,500 procedures making better use of internal NHS capacity. 

• An excellent 98% patient satisfaction rate with NECU-led treatment campaigns. 

NECU’s innovative work also includes specialist pathways such as dermatology image triage. This work has reduced demand for face-to-face dermatology lesion appointments by 48%, improved access for patients, and facilitated prompt surgical treatment for more than 1400 patients. 

Anne Burgon, Interim Head of Programmes NECU at CfSD, said: “The National Elective Coordination Unit is a game-changer for planned care in Scotland. By working across health boards and using data-driven validation, we’re unlocking capacity that was previously hidden, ensuring that every appointment counts and patients are seen as quickly as possible.” 

Sarah Cameron, 50, from Inverness recently benefited from NECU’s breast service, said: “I was able to get a diagnosis and treatment much faster than I expected, without multiple trips to the hospital. The process was quick, efficient, and I felt supported every step of the way.” 

By combining national oversight with local delivery, NECU is ensuring NHS Scotland meets its commitments to reduce waiting times, maximise resources, and deliver a more responsive, patient-focused service.