The SNP Government's 2022/23 budget is will increase funding for NHS Ayrshire & Arran (NHSAA) from £774.5 million to £806.8 million, a 4.2% increase.
This will be part of £18 billion allocated to the health and social care sector across Scotland as we face up to the continued challenges of COVID-19 and beyond.
To retain care workers and support better pay and conditions, the North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership will be required to deliver a £10.50 minimum hourly rate for adult social care workers in commissioned services, in line with the public sector pay policy.
The Budget also provides:
More than £1.6 billion for social care and integration to lay the groundwork for the National Care Service
Over £1.2 billion for mental health services
£147.6 million to address drug deaths and tackle harms from alcohol
£554 million to health infrastructure, expanding Scotland’s network of National Treatment Centres
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“Health and social care professionals across Ayrshire have continued to deliver quality services throughout the extreme pressures of the pandemic, and we have to ensure the right investment enables them to do continue.
“In line with the SNP manifesto and Programme for Government, a record £18 billion is being spent across health and social care services this year. It’s essential to Scotland’s recovery from COVID-19.
“This extra £32.3 million for NHSAA compared to last year’s budget will ensure everyone continues to get the care they need, while repaying the efforts of those who are looking after us all.
“We will support services to deliver care – either physical or mental – in a way that works best for patients, while addressing the health inequalities our society faces, which unfortunately have been exacerbated by the pandemic.”
The SNP Government is investing Barnett consequentials in full, with additional spend in excess of £1 billion in health and social care.
Over 50% of frontline spend will go towards community health services, delivering on a commitment to increase primary care funding by 25% over this Parliament, providing more care for people in a place and in a way that meets their needs.
Direct investment in mental health has increased to £290 million, and with additional funding in services from money being allocated to health boards will be in excess of £1.2 billion.
ENDS
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