SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN CAPACITY AND EASIER ACCESS TO GP APPOINTMENTS
First Minister John Swinney's plan to improve the NHS, will ensure lower waiting times and easier access to GP appointments for people in Motherwell and Wishaw. local MSP Clare Adamson has said.
The plan outlined by the First Minister follows the Scottish Government announcing record investment for the NHS in its budget last month – with funding for health and social care increased to £21 billion, and £1.7 billion invested in frontline services
delivered by NHS Lanarkshire
The First Minister announced plans to deliver 150,000 more appointments and procedures, as well as a £10.5 million increase in funding for GPs and a pledge to invest a greater proportion of new NHS funding to primary and community care.
A new app will also be created for the NHS in Scotland under the plans, which the First Minister described as the “digital front door” to the health service.
This app will begin rollout from the end of this year, starting in Lanarkshire, and, over time, it will become an important access and management point for care in Scotland.
Ms Adamson, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, said:
“First Minister John Swinney has outlined an action plan to deliver a stronger and more accessible NHS – cutting waiting times and making it easier to get a GP appointment.
“We will focus on increasing capacity, getting earlier diagnoses, and embracing technology to renew our treasured public health service.
“The NHS must always be a public service and free at the point of use. It is there for people when they need it.
“Many of my Motherwell and Wishaw constituents have been calling for improvements in the service. The SNP Government is listening and will take the necessary action.
“Improving patient experience and supporting health workers is of the utmost priority for the SNP in Government. That is why we have announced record investment of £21 billion in frontline health and care services in the Scottish Budget.
“NHS Lanarkshire will see investment of £1.7 billion – representing an increase of £224 million to support these action plans.
“I am particularly pleased that a new Scottish health and social care app will be rolled out starting in Lanarkshire. Embracing these technologies is an important step to modernising the service and giving patients more access and control over their care.
“Meanwhile, the UK Labour Government must reverse its decision to hit the NHS and social care services with damaging tax hikes through increased Employer National Insurance Contributions. And Labour must reject any suggestions of privatising this crucial public institution.
“The SNP is backing the NHS with record investment and a clear path for modernisation and renewal. That is a mission I believe that people in Motherwell and Wishaw will get behind."
First Minister Speech - https://www.gov.scot/publications/improving-public-services-and-nhs-renewal-first-ministers-speech/
First Minister Stream - https://www.youtube.com/live/-tWX1ESlpSs?si=0FaCI9-n-N9lp_f8
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