‘This will make a real difference’: Maree Todd urges opposition MSPs to back budget plans
Record funding for the NHS will cut waiting times and ensure patients in the Highlands “get the care they require in good time”, according to Maree Todd.
The SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross called on opposition members to back the Scottish Government’s budget which was presented to parliament last week.
The plans include increasing funding for health and social care to £21 billion, with £940.2m for frontline services delivered by NHS Highland.
The budget includes a record increase of nearly £2 billion for NHS boards, with a rise in funding for NHS Highland amounting to £133.10m.
Ms Todd says this will make it easier for people to access GP appointments and will improve A&E services.
An additional £200 million has been allocated to reduce waiting lists and improve capacity.
The increased funding will also fund more dental training places, new specialist nurses for long Covid and more community-based support for teenage mental health.
“The record levels of funding announced by the SNP Scottish Government will make a real difference to my constituents, ensuring they get the care they require in good time by increasing appointments and cutting waiting times,” Ms Todd said.
“If opposition parties want investment in GPs, dentistry, long Covid treatment, young people’s mental health and our hospital infrastructure then they must vote for it by backing this budget.
“While the UK Labour government imposes higher National Insurance contributions on the NHS and care services and signals a move towards further privatisation, the SNP is delivering record levels of healthcare funding.
“Opposition parties now have the chance to demonstrate their support for the NHS by backing this budget.”
Scotland’s finance secretary Shona Robison said: “I am proud to present a budget that delivers on the priorities of the people of Scotland.”
She called it “a budget filled with hope for Scotland’s future”.