by Bill Heaney
The Scottish Conservatives have pledged an inflation-busting funding uplift for the NHS as part of their plans to put right years of SNP mismanagement.
The policy – which is in the party’s election manifesto – would ensure that health spending increases above the rate of inflation in every year of the next Scottish Parliament.
- Incentivising recently retired doctors and nurses to return as an emergency measure to bring down waiting times
- Completing National Treatment Centres to increase the service’s capacity to carry out procedures
- Publishing an updated cancer strategy to improve survival rates
- Conducting a root and branch review of the dentist funding model
Scottish Conservative health spokesperson Dr Sandesh Gulhane, who visited a Glasgow pharmacy with leader Russell Findlay today, said that our health service is at “crisis point” under the SNP and that his party’s comprehensive policy package would put it on a pathway to recovery.
He added that if the SNP wins a majority in May, their priority will be pursuing independence, not fixing the NHS.
Dr Gulhane, pictured top of the page, said: “Scotland’s NHS is at a crisis point after nearly two decades of chronic SNP mismanagement.
“Across the board, from potentially deadly A&E delays, to waiting times of over a year for vital operations, and a severe shortage of medics, our health service is on its knees.
“Our bold plans would guarantee an inflation-busting funding uplift for the NHS throughout the lifetime of the next parliament.
“We would also lure back retired doctors and nurses as an emergency measure to cut waiting lists, complete National Treatment Centres to increase capacity, publish an updated cancer strategy, and conduct a full review of the dentistry funding model.
“This comprehensive plan would put our health service on the pathway to recovery – and give patients and staff the support they need.
“The SNP has proved they can’t be trusted with our health service.
“If they win a majority in May, they’ve made clear their top priority will be independence, not fixing the NHS. That’s why voters must back the Scottish Conservatives on their peach ballot to stop the SNP.”