Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson is welcoming new figures showing that NHS staff numbers in Scotland are continuing to grow and stand at a record high – as Scottish Government investment in the health service continues to pay off.
Figures on public sector employment published today show that NHS staff numbers have increased by 1.5 per cent over the past year – and now stand at 160,500.
The Scottish Government is investing an additional £383m in frontline health spending in 2015/16 which sees health spending in Scotland above £12bn for the first time – and polls show that the SNP is by far the party most trusted on the NHS.
Commenting, Mr Matheson said:
“These very welcome figures show that the Scottish Government’s investment in our NHS is continuing to pay off , and with spending on frontline health services set to rise by a further £383m we will be able to do even more to protect and enhance the services people across Scotland rely on.
“With NHS staff levels at a record high and this further investment in the NHS budget, we can ensure our hard-working staff have the tools they need to continue to deliver a first-class health service, this despite the continued austerity cuts imposed by Westminster and supported by both Labour and the Tories.
“With our track record of real achievements and investment, it is no wonder that the SNP is by far the most trusted party when it comes to our NHS.
“But there is always more which can be done, and people of Falkirk district can rest assured that there will be absolutely no complacency from the Scottish Government and we will continue to do everything we can to further protect and improve our NHS, support hard-working staff and ensure people in Falkirk and throughout Scotland continue to have access to the top quality healthcare they deserve.”
