Record Investment in NHS

The Scottish Budget delivers record investment in our NHS, with almost £22.5 billion committed across Scotland to strengthen services and support patients.

That means real increases on the ground. In NHS Lothian, funding rises by £187.5 million next year, from £2.11 billion to £2.30 billion — an 8.9% increase. In NHS Forth Valley, funding increases by £67 million, from £751.7 million to £818.7 million — also an 8.9% rise.

This investment will help expand Hospital at Home to at least 2,000 beds nationwide by the end of 2026, alongside £2.4 billion for primary care, including new GP walk-in services launching later this year.

Under the SNP, Scotland’s NHS is turning a corner. Waiting times are beginning to come down, GP numbers are rising, and services are being redesigned to deliver care closer to home. There is more to do — but this Budget backs our health service with the funding it needs.

If other parties are serious about improving the NHS rather than talking it down, they should support a Budget that delivers record funding for Scotland, including major gains for Lothian and Forth Valley.