For immediate release

Clare Haughey, MSP for Rutherglen Constituency has demanded that opposition MSPs must now back the Scottish Government’s Budget to deliver record funding for the NHS – after the SNP Government announced plans to increase funding for health and social care to £21 billion, including over £1.7 billion for frontline services delivered by NHS Lanarkshire.

All parties called for increased funding ahead of the recent Scottish Budget, which it has now been announced includes a record increase of nearly £2 billion for frontline NHS boards – with an increase in funding of 224 million for Lanarkshire. 

The MSP says that this increased funding will make it easier for people to access GP appointments, improve A&E and ensure more Scots get the care they need in good time.   She points out that an additional £200million has been allocated to reduce waiting lists and improve capacity, which will see over 150,000 extra patients treated as a result.

Ms Haughey added that the increased funding will result in more dental training places, new specialist long Covid nurses, and more community-based support for teenage mental health.

Commenting, Clare Haughey said:

“The record levels of funding announced by the SNP Scottish Government will make a real difference to people in Rutherglen and Cambuslang – ensuring that people get the care they require in good time by increasing appointments and cutting waiting times.

“If opposition parties want investment in GPs, dentistry, long Covid treatment, young people’s mental health and in our hospital infrastructure then they must vote for it by backing this Budget.

“Whilst the UK Labour Government has hit the NHS and care services with increases in National Insurance Contributions and continues to hint at increased privatisation in the NHS, the SNP will always back the NHS.

“Opposition parties now have the opportunity to show that they also support the NHS, by backing this budget to deliver record levels of funding for frontline services.”

ENDS