NHS FV given funding boost

Health services across Forth Valley are to receive a £20.2 million funding boost.

NHS Forth Valley will see an aboveinflation increase of four per cent year on year.

The new funding was announced during the Scottish Budget, which will see an additional £729 million invested in the health service.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay stressed the funding may be affected by a no-deal Brexit which could force a review of the budget.

SNP MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane Keith Brown said: “People across the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency will welcome the additional four per cent in direct funding to NHS Forth Valley, equating to some £20.2 million in increased resources, supporting our dedicated NHS staff on the excellent work they do.

“The contrast between the SNP and the Tories on health couldn’t be more stark. Tory cuts would rob public services of £1 billion, decimating health services in order to give the richest a tax break. Their reckless and irresponsible approach would be a disaster for Scotland – which is why again and again, the people of Scotland reject the damaging and selfish policies of the Tories.

“The SNP will always stand up for Scotland’s NHS and this funding boost demonstrates once again the value and priority placed on our health services by the SNP in government.”

Dean Lockhart, Tory MSP Mid Scotland and Fife, said: “Extra resources for NHS Forth Valley will of course be welcomed by those hard working nurses and doctors in our health service. However this increase was only made possible by the decisions of a UK Chancellor and a UK budget which delivered £550 million extra NHS spending for Scotland.

“Mr Brown chooses to blame Brexit for the crisis in Scotland’s NHS instead of the 11 years of his own government’s gross mismanagement of the health service.

“The SNP’s incompetence over the last 11 years has brought the NHS in Scotland to its knees, and yet still nationalist politicians blame everything and anything but their own irresponsible Government.”

A spokesperson for NHS Forth Valley said: “This increase in Scottish Government funding is welcomed but like many other NHS Boards and public sector organisations across the country NHS Forth Valley continues to face significant financial challenges. These include rising demand for services and increased costs associated with drugs, supplies and staffing.”