NHS boost must be linked to reform, says health secretary

NHS Forth Valley is set to receive a significant cash boost, in a package health secretary Shona Robison says must be linked to reform.
Health Secretary Shona Robison.Health Secretary Shona Robison.
Health Secretary Shona Robison.

It will gain an additional £9.3 million in the coming financial year, bringing the board’s overall funding to £494.4 million.

This includes an additional £2 million to bring the board within one per cent of parity under the NHS funding formula, known as NRAC – it is one of nine boards to receive this extra payment under the formula.

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The uplift includes £5.3 million for investment in social care as part of the ongoing integration of health and social care.

This funding will be used by local health and social care partnerships to try and ensure people have “the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

NHS Forth Valley will also receive a share of £128 million to help support delivery of service reform.

This extra funding will support a redesign of services aimed at meeting the challenges of an ageing population.

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Shona Robison said of the extra resources: “It reflects the Scottish Government’s commitment to continue to support our NHS with record levels of investment.

“However, I am also clear that this investment must be accompanied with service reform.

“We recognise that our growing elderly population means that we need to shift the focus of care towards the community, and that is what we’ll continue to do.

“It is nearly one year since we integrated health and social care across Scotland.

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“This reform will enable us to support more people to remain independent for as long as possible, and receive care in the community rather than in hospital.”

“Over the coming months we will be working with all health boards to help them develop sustainable financial plans for this year and beyond.

“Together we will ensure that this investment delivers better care, better services and better value.”