Fraser: Tough times ahead for our NHS but we can still divert funds to frontline services
The Chief Executive of NHS Scotland has published his last annual report, for 2009/10.
Murdo Fraser MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, said:
"The hard-working frontline staff of our NHS who have delivered good results deserve all the praise they can get.
"Notwithstanding this good report, there are difficult times ahead and whilst Scottish Conservatives are committed to protecting the health budget, we must continue to find efficiencies and divert funds to frontline services. Gimmicks like free prescriptions for the wealthy are simply not affordable and must be scrapped.
"There are other ways of freeing up money for better resourced frontline services - for example we want to see more Health Boards moving from brand name drugs to generic drugs, which would save a fortune. Also, Audit Scotland reports this year have made perfectly clear that we can make substantial efficiency savings without jeopardising our vital frontline services, such as cutting 15% off the locum budget through better planning and procurement.
"There is no room for complacency from the new Chief Executive - thanks to Labour's legacy of debt we face some tough times in the immediate future."
Ruth: "Our thoughts should now be with the families of the victims who died on that fateful day in December 1988."
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Ruth: "However, this should not stop the questions that still exist, including those regarding his release by the SNP Government."
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