For immediate release

First Minister John Swinney’s plan to improve the NHS, will ensure lower waiting times and easier access to GP appointments for people in Rutherglen and Cambuslang, says local MSP Clare Haughey.

The plan outlined by the First Minister follows the SNP Scottish Government announcing record funding for the NHS in its budget last month – with funding for health and social care increased to £21 billion, with  over £1,713 million for frontline services delivered by NHS Lanarkshire.

The First Minister announced plans to ​ deliver 150,000 extra appointments and procedures in hospitals and communities over the next year, as well as a £10.5 million increase in funding for GPs, and a pledge to invest a greater proportion of new NHS funding to primary and community care.

As part of the plans to reduce waiting lists, the First Minister announced that some facilities, including Gartnavel Hospital will be a ‘centre of excellence’, delivering extra cataract procedures, while providing transport support to patients if necessary.  National Treatment Centres such as the Golden Jubilee Surgical Centre will deliver 10,000 extra procedures.

A new app will also be created for the NHS in Scotland under the plans, which the First Minister described as the “digital front door” to the health service.

Commenting, Clare Haughey MSP said;

“The plans outlined by the First Minister will make a real difference to people in Rutherglen and Cambuslang – ensuring that people get the care they require in good time by making it easier to get a GP appointment, and cutting waiting times.

“The NHS plays a vital role in all our lives and is there when we and our families need it.  I know that many people in have been calling for exactly this type of leadership to drive improvement in our NHS.

“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 is backing the NHS with record funding, and a clear path for modernisation and renewal”.

ENDS