The Scottish Budget’s funding boost for NHS Forth Valley will support frontline healthcare and help to meet new demands across the district, Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson has said.

NHS Forth Valley is set to receive an extra £16.4million compared to last year, taking the total investment from the Scottish Government for the year ahead to £506.8million.

The financial commitment is part of an inflation-busting funding increase of more than £400million across Scotland, which will see health spending rise to £13.1billion in 2018-19.
Mr Matheson said: “The SNP Government keeps delivering for our NHS in Forth Valley and across the country.

“The extra £400million invested nationally will ensure that Scotland continues to have the best-performing NHS across the UK, with lower waiting times and higher patient satisfaction than anywhere else.

“The additional £16.4million given to NHS Forth Valley will support frontline healthcare in our communities and help to meet new demands and pressures across primary, community and social care, as well as in mental health.

“I’m delighted that the Budget also ensures that the pay cap will be scrapped for nurses, doctors, cleaners and clerical staff throughout our NHS. Scotland is the only part of the UK to make such a commitment, because the SNP values the hard work and dedication of the people who ensure that we’ve got the best health service in the country.”