NHS Scotland branded ‘financially unsustainable’ by audit
Written by Liam Marshall
The Auditor General has warned that Scotland’s National Health Service is financially unsustainable, under severe pressure and needs reform.
Audit Scotland conducted a review into the Scottish NHS recently which found that there was an ever-increasing backlog of patients which could also be problematic.
The annual report also found that the spending levels can not continue at their current levels.
Scottish health boards are aiming to save almost one hundred and twenty million pounds to balance the books however the report is sceptical about the chances of this being realised.
Six health boards across Scotland are providing monthly savings plans to the government due to how stretched their budgets are.
Chair of BMA Scotland Dr Lewis Morrison said, “The issues the Audit Scotland report raises, yet again, highlight the parlous position our NHS and its staff are in – pre-pandemic and with Covid having undoubtedly made things worse.”
Health Minister Humza Yousaf said, “We agree with Audit Scotland that there is a clear opportunity to do things differently and build on the innovation and collaboration shown during the pandemic.”
