Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon conducted the review

Figures showed 100% of patients were seen within 62 days, compared with only 64% in December 2006.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon, who chaired the review, welcomed the news.

The figures come after the authority was criticised in September for the care of a cancer patient who waited eight months to see a doctor.

The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO), upheld a complaint after the patient, known only as Mr C, had two appointments cancelled.

When he eventually saw a doctor he was told his cancer was inoperable.

'Monitoring cancer'

The health board has since approved the appointment of two additional consultants - in breast cancer and pathology.

NHS Forth Valley chairman, Ian Mullen welcomed the appointments.

Two years ago, patients would expect to wait 58 weeks in Stirling and 76 weeks in Falkirk from a GP referral to having a hearing aid fitted Ian Mullen

He said: "It shows the commitment of NHS Forth Valley to give the best service possible to cancer patients.

"Almost all diagnosis and treatment for breast, lung, colorectal, urological and blood cancers is provided locally and we have one of the most advanced CT scanners in Scotland which is invaluable in diagnosing and monitoring cancer."

The scanner, which has cost about �500,000, and can track the malignancy and extent of any spread in cancers, is operating in Stirling Royal Infirmary.

Audiology services in the area were also praised.

An independent national audit by the MRC Hearing and Communication Group at the University of Manchester described services in the Forth Valley as "the best in Scotland".

Receive instructions

The audit, the first of its type to be carried out in Scotland, was commissioned by the Scottish Executive in 2006 as part of the country's audiology modernisation project. It involved questionnaires, patient snapshots, and site visits.

The Forth Valley Sensory Centre at Camelon, near Falkirk, is involved in a pioneering scheme to help patients adjust to newly-fitted hearing aids.

People are being invited to meet in small groups to receive instructions on how to use the devices and get the most benefit from them.

Mr Mullen added: "Two years ago, patients would expect to wait 58 weeks in Stirling and 76 weeks in Falkirk from a GP referral to having a hearing aid fitted.

"Now through one-stop assessment and fitting, the time can be as little as 18 weeks."