SCOTLAND'S NHS boards and social care providers are to share a £1.1 billion boost to help the sector cope with continuing coronavirus work as winter approaches.
The cash was announced today by Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, who said: “The health and social care sector has a critical frontline role in responding to the single greatest public health crisis of our lifetimes, and I want to pay tribute to all staff involved for their heroic efforts to overcome the many challenges presented by this pandemic.”
The funds will be shared out to health and social care partnerships and NHS boards to cover additional staffing, provide cover for those off sick and pay for enhanced infection prevention and control measures.
It will also go towards essential personal protective equipment (PPE).
Freeman said: “As we continue to safely remobilise our health and social care sector, the Scottish Government is taking action to support services’ capacity to deal with the ongoing presence of Covid-19 and continue preparations for the wider pressures of the winter season.
“This funding ensures the sector will continue to receive the support required to deal with the additional challenges of the pandemic, whilst still delivering the vital health, social care and hospital-based services the public rely on every day.”
Funding for health and social care surpassed £15 billion for the first time under the 2020-21 Budget.
More than £100 million was delivered in excess of Barnett consequentials to support frontline services as part of the overall uplift.
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