Banff & Buchan MP Welcomes Additional Funding for NHS Grampian

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford has hailed the announcement of extra funding for NHS Grampian as a clear demonstration of the SNP’s commitment to ensuring Scotland’s NHS gets the resources it needs.

Health Secretary Shona Robison today announced that NHS Grampian will receive an extra £15.2 million in 2015/16 to help with the rising cost pressures facing the NHS.

In total the uplift for NHS Grampian for next year now stands at £49.1 million. This represents a 6% increase in funding from last year, the biggest percentage uplift of any mainland NHS board in Scotland.

Commenting, SNP MP for Banff & Buchan, Eilidh Whiteford said:

“Patients will be delighted to see this extra investment in healthcare in Grampian. The cost pressures facing our NHS are challenging and additional funding of £49million for NHS Grampian next year – more than any other health board in mainland Scotland – is a recognition that these challenges can be amplified in an area as diverse as Grampian.”

“Whilst NHS Grampian has been facing some organisational difficulties in recent months, patient care has remained robust. With a new management team and now substantial additional funding for next year, I hope patients will be able to expect a noticeably improved performance.”

“Amidst the heightening of General Election activities, some political parties have sought to use our NHS as a political football. The investment in healthcare in Grampian from the Scottish Government today is a clear indication that the SNP has a determination to improve health outcomes in Scotland, and not just pay lip service to our NHS.”