Locals benefit from increase in NHS staff

Rutherglen and Cambuslang are benefitting from an increase in the numbers of NHS staff as part of a Scotland-wide rise.

NHS Lanarkshire had its full-time equivalent staff levels grow from 10,523.6 to 10,619.9 in 2017.

The new figures were released in the same week as other research showed fewer patients in Scotland are waiting longer than four hours in A&E than they did in 2012/13.

Clare Haughey MSP said:“As a mental health nurse myself, I fully welcome any increase in the number working in our hospitals and surgeries.

“There can be no doubt – the staff are the lifeblood of our NHS.

“This increase will help make sure people throughout South Lanarkshire receive the top-class care that they have come to expect from our NHS – particularly during the busy festive period when resources are often stretched.

“Fewer patients in Scotland are waiting longer than four hours in A&E than they did in 2012/13 – which is in stark contrast to in England where the number has more than doubled.

“Our NHS in Scotland consistently outperforms other health services across the UK, and this is down to the care and commitment of our NHS staff.

“Those working in our health service deserve our thanks at all times of year, but not least during the holiday period when they might be away from their families looking after those in need”.