SNP SCOTTISH BUDGET DELIVERS RECORD FUNDING FOR NHS IN MIDLOTHIAN NORTH & MUSSELBURGH

SNP MSP Colin Beattie has welcomed the passing of the Scottish Government’s Budget which delivers £2,113.00m for frontline services delivered by NHS Lothian by increasing funding for health and social care to a record £21 billion.
 
By backing the Budget, parliament has ensured a record increase of nearly £2 billion for frontline NHS boards – with an increase in funding of £287.50m for NHS Lothian. An additional £200 million will reduce waiting lists and see over 150,000 extra patients treated as a result.
 
Despite this, Tory and Labour MSPs still failed to back the budget.
 
In government, we are delivering - having promised 64,000 additional NHS procedures and appointments by the end of March, we exceeded our target by delivering 75,500 by the end of January. Since taking office, Scotland’s NHS has also grown by over 33,000 extra doctors, nurses, and staff—an increase of over 26%.
 
Commenting, SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
 
“The record levels of funding delivered by the SNP Scottish Government will make a real difference to people in Midlothian North & Musselburgh - ensuring that people get the care they need when they need it.
 
“It is hardly surprising that Labour MSPs joined the Tories in sitting on their hands, refusing to back a budget that delivers record investment in our NHS when we have a UK Labour government opening the door to privatisation and hiking costs with their National Insurance increase.
 
“But that doesn’t make it any less disappointing.
 
“Instead of playing politics, the SNP is putting Scotland first; getting on with delivering on the priorities of Midlothian North & Musselburgh and ensuring public services serve those who need them most.”
 
ENDS