Local MSP Welcomes NHS Scotland Staffing Increase

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed new figures which show the benefits devolved management of the NHS and especially increased staffing for this vital public service.

The figures show that since the SNP Scottish Government came to power there has been a 1,388 increase in Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) nursing and midwifery staff across the NHS in Scotland and the total figure now stands at 58,172.

Commenting on the figures, Mr Stevenson said:

“It is right that we have delivered on our commitment to the NHS in Scotland which has allowed this record growth in nurses and midwives to be achieved.

“The NHS in Scotland is recognised and valued as a vital Public Service and this Scottish Government will not allow damaging reforms to be introduced which will reverse these gains.

“I am proud of the achievements the Scottish Government has made in this area and I know that we can repeat these improvements across all areas of Government given the appropriate opportunity.”