Scottish health secretary Neil Gray has said that the Scottish Government Budget will prioritise patients and drive improvements to the NHS.
If it is approved the budget is set to deliver record health and social care funding of £21 billion designed to ensure faster, more accessible care by improving capacity and tackling systemic challenges like delayed discharge.
Measures set out in the budget include: reducing NHS waiting lists, by cutting waiting times so patients can receive vital treatments and procedures more quickly; improved access to GPs with expanded primary care services and additional resources to make it easier for people to see their GP; and progress set to continue on new hospitals, which will deliver state-of-the-art care and greater capacity.
£200 million has been allocated to address delayed discharge and reduce waiting lists. If approved by parliament, the money will expand the innovative 'Hospital at Home' service.
Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “We are determined to drive improvements in our NHS and deliver the best possible service for patients. But I know that some people are waiting too long and finding it difficult to get appointments – we have listened and we are taking action. That is what people can expect from this government.
“The measures we set out in the Budget would mean quicker treatments, more GP appointments, and world-class facilities for people across Scotland.
“By March 2026, no-one will wait longer than 12 months for a new outpatient appointment, inpatient treatment or day case treatment with more than 150,000 extra patients treated as a result.
“The Budget also delivers investment to tackle delayed discharge, one of the biggest challenges facing the NHS, and to expand the Hospital at Home service giving thousands of patients the care they need at home while freeing up hospital beds for those who need them most.
“With initiatives like these, we will build a modern, resilient NHS that delivers for everyone by providing innovative and effective care.
“But we will only be able to deliver these transformational investments and drive further improvements for patients if our Budget is agreed. Our NHS needs this Budget to pass – and I am urging Parliament to unite behind it.”
