Funding for dental reform included in £19 billion spend on health and social care
‘I want health and care services that are fit for the future,’ says Health Secretary
More than £2 billion has been allocated to deliver and improve primary health care services, the Scottish Government has announced, “enabling dental reform and supporting GP services through investment in multi-disciplinary teams and targeted assistance”.
The Government said health and social care services will receive the highest ever budget settlement over the next year “paving the way for sustainable public services in Scotland”. The £19 billion package will “help tackle the immediate pressures caused by the pandemic and a tough winter, while supporting the delivery of health and care services that are fit for the future,” it said in a statement.
It added: “The Scottish Government has surpassed its commitment to ensure every extra penny it receives from the UK Government is spent on health and social care. This means an extra £1 billion will be available to improve front line services and help fund the NHS pay deal for 2022/23.”
Health Boards across Scotland will receive a six per cent boost in funding as part of the Budget – bringing their total budget to £13.7 billion, which includes more than £9 billion to give staff a fair wage.
This Budget continues to support prevention and early intervention, said the Government, as well as the provision of quality community care, providing:
- More than £1.2 billion for mental health services to provide record staff numbers that provide more varied support and services to more people than ever.
- More than £2 billion to deliver and improve primary health care services in the community, enabling dental reform and supporting crucial GP services through investment in multi-disciplinary teams and targeted assistance to support system
- £160 million to address the public health emergencies and reduce the avoidable harms associated with drugs and alcohol.
Humza Yousaf, the Health Secretary, said: “Frontline workers are the foundation of our health and care services, and I am extremely grateful for them for getting us through the pandemic and facing down one of the toughest winters in NHS history.
“This historic settlement took some difficult decisions, but we are steadfast in efforts to address the immediate pressures on health and social care services, and support fair work and pay.
“I want health and care services that are fit for the future – a future where Scotland continues to be the best place for health and care workers and where everyone gets the care that they need, where and when they need it.”
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