NHS Tayside chiefs hit out at spending cuts plan

NHS chiefs in Tayside have spoken out against plan to slash spending on improving the nation’s health.

The board was backed by senior doctors and pharmacists, who accused ministers of not taking the prevention of health problems seriously enough.

The Scottish Government said the total health budget has gone up to a record £13.1 billion and there is a “continued focus” on early intervention.

Derek Mackay’s spending plan for 2018-19 sets aside £63 million for health improvement and protection, which is down from £103m in 2016-17.

Bosses at NHS Tayside said the reduction undermines the Scottish Government’s efforts to meet a key national health and wellbeing target, which states people are “able to look after and improve their own health and wellbeing and live in good health longer”.

In a submission to a Holyrood committee, NHS Tayside’s directorate of public health said there is a cut even when cash for alcohol and drug support is included. A board statement said: “We think reducing the spend on health improvement is counter-productive in achieving the national indicators.”

The intervention from NHS Tayside was endorsed by some national bodies in their assessment of the draft budget, which will be voted on next month.

The Royal College of Physicians said the budget does not “devote sufficient attention of resource” to helping people become healthier and that the poorest in society bear the brunt of that failure.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society Scotland told MSPs: “Treating illness is only one aspect of the NHS and there must be increased funding for public health measures which encourage prevention of disease.”