Scottish Government Action to Cut Waiting Lists in west Lothian

Scottish Government Action to Cut Waiting Lists in west Lothian

SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN CAPACITY AND EASIER ACCESS TO GP APPOINTMENTS

Plans announced by First Minister John Swinney to improve the NHS will ensure shorter waiting times and easier access to GP appointments for people in West Lothian. The First Ministers plan follows the Scottish Governments announcement of record funding for the NHS in its budget last month, with funding for health and social care increased to £21 billion. Of this, £2,113.00 has been allocated to frontline services delivered by Lothian Health Board.

Key aspects of the plan include delivering 150,000 more appointments and procedures, a £10.5 million increase in funding for GPs, and a pledge to invest a greater proportion of new NHS funding in primary and community care. Additionally, the First Minister unveiled plans for a new NHS Scotland app, which he described as the digital front door to the health service.

Commenting on the announcement, Angela Constance MSP said:

"The plans outlined by First Minister John Swinney will make a real difference to people in West Lothian ensuring that everyone can access the care they need in good time by making GP appointments easier to book and cutting waiting times.  The NHS is central to all our lives, and I know many people in West Lothian have been calling for this kind of leadership to drive improvements in our healthcare services. We have listened and taken decisive action that’s what you can expect from a John Swinney-led government."

"Improving patients experience of the NHS is a key priority for the Scottish Government, which is why we have announced record funding of £21 billion for health and care services in this year's budget. While other governments have introduced measures that place additional pressures on health services or hinted at privatisation, the Scottish Government is delivering record investment and a clear path for modernisation and renewal. This is a mission I know the people of West Lothian will strongly support. 

ENDS

Notes:

Speech - https://www.gov.scot/publications/improving-public-services-and-nhs-renewal-first-ministers-speech/

Stream - https://www.youtube.com/live/-tWX1ESlpSs?si=0FaCI9-n-N9lp_f8

• Latest News