MSP for the Highlands & Islands Emma Roddick has highlighted the fact that, had the Scottish Government opted to follow the UK Government’s spending decisions for the Department of Health & Social Care, NHS Highland would have almost £30 million less to spend this year.
Despite what is widely acknowledged as a highly challenging financial outlook, the Scottish Government has provided an increase of 3.7% in real terms to NHS Highland’s budget, compared with last year. In cash terms, the health board’s budget has increased by £39 million.
Commenting, Ms Roddick said:
“These figures highlight the priority that the SNP Government places on ensuring that NHS Highland can continue to deliver vital and life-saving services to people across the Highlands.
“This is in stark contrast to the approach of the UK Government, which has demonstrated time and time again the disregard that it has for the NHS and those who work within it.
“If health were not a devolved issue to the Scottish Parliament, and we had followed the advice of the Tories and Labour on not implementing progressive taxation, then NHS Highland would have significantly less capital in its budget for this year.
“This would have a devastating impact on NHS Highland’s ability to fulfil its aims and would have a severe knock-on effect on the delivery of healthcare in our communities.
“Despite extremely tight budgetary pressures, the SNP is investing in healthcare in the Highlands, protecting our NHS from the worst of Westminster decision-making, and standing up for our local communities in the face of continued UK Government austerity.”
