Local MSP Jackie Baillie has warned that the SNP Government’s announcement of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s budget for 2018-19 will impose a real-terms cut on local health services.

The SNP Health Secretary confirmed to the Scottish Parliament on Thursday that NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s budget will increase by 1.5% in 2018-19.

With NHS inflation forecast as at least 2% this year that means the health board will have less money to spend on local services for patients in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven, Helensburgh and Lomond. The actual squeeze on spending could be even worse because the 2% figure does not take account of the fact that NHS staff are due a long-awaited pay rise this year.

Jackie said:

“The SNP Government has tried to paint a rosy picture of the NHS budget allocation, detailing uplifts across all health boards. However Shona Robison has completely ignored the fact that our NHS is under immense pressure due to increasing demand and the rising cost of medicines. The 1.5% budget uplift does not even give NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde enough money to stand still.

“In reality, this is a real terms cut for our most valued public service. Increasing costs and a welcome pay rise for staff will pile more pressure on already tight budgets, putting even more local services at risk. The SNP has consistently failed give our NHS the resources it needs and the cracks are beginning to show