£482 million to NHS Boards for Pandemic Costs
Evelyn Tweed MSP and Alyn Smith MP have welcomed further funding from the Scottish Government to NHS Boards, in order to meet costs of the pandemic and remobilise health services. £482 million will go to NHS Boards and Integration Authorities, which includes funding for Test and Protect and to support the progress of the vaccination programme.
It comes on top of £2.1 billion provided to date to NHS Boards and Integration Authorities to support additional Covid-19 costs. Further funding will be provided as necessary over the course of the year.
This £482 million includes just over £121 million for Test and Protect and a further £136 million for the vaccination programme. The rest of the funding will cover costs including additional staffing to support hospital scale-up, equipment, maintenance and IT.
NHS Forth Valley remains under immense pressure as the pandemic continues, alongside a rise in other illnesses, injuries and ailments and pre-pandemic health needs return.
Evelyn Tweed MSP said:
‘This winter will be the toughest ever faced by our health services, as I’ve recently heard first-hand as a member of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee in the Scottish Parliament. I welcome additional funding from the Scottish Government to assist NHS Boards and Integration Authorities in their work to keep local people safe and cared for. Frontline health and social care workers have been remarkable through this pandemic, and have gone above and beyond in their duties to keep the public safe.
‘The Scottish Government is determined to support the NHS and social care services as they face unprecedented pressures. I also welcome the recent announcement of £10 million to help patients avoid a hospital stay wherever possible – and to prevent delayed discharge for patients.’
Alyn Smith MP said:
‘All parts of our health care system are under strain at the moment, and staff continue to excel under intense pressures. We can all do our bit to help by taking sensible precautions, including taking up our Covid-19 and flu vaccinations as soon as we can, continuing to follow public health guidance around hand washing and face coverings, and making full use of the range of healthcare services available, such as GPs and pharmacists.
‘We face a very tough winter, especially as colder weather and indoor settings can drive transmission of Covid-19. Let’s continue to do what we can to reduce the spread, and protect the NHS.’
Notes:
Additional information can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/news/additional-funding-to-tackle-covid-19-1/
