Nicola Sturgeon promises to protect NHS budgets 'as best we can'

Published on Monday 7 June 2010 22:40

NICOLA Sturgeon attempted to soothe fears in the NHS over looming job cuts yesterday, as she told staff her government would protect the Scottish health budget "as best we can".

The health secretary said everyone in the NHS was "acutely aware" of the financial challenges that lay ahead for the service, but restated the SNP government's policy that no-one would lose their job via compulsory redundancies.

Speaking at the opening of the NHS Scotland Event in Edinburgh, Ms Sturgeon sought to address concern among NHS staff in the wake of last week's reports that health boards were preparing to shed 4,000 jobs as part of a service-wide efficiency programme.

"All of us are acutely aware of the significant economic and financial challenges that lie ahead," she said. "We are already seeing the early indications of the potential impact of these challenges on workforce and service planning.

"I want today, to give you what I hope will be some reassurance in these very difficult times. We know finances will be tight for the NHS for the next few years, and the NHS is not unique - everybody's finances are tight.

"I want to give you an absolute assurance (that] the government, just as we have done this year, will in future years seek to continue to protect the NHS budget as best we can."

Ms Sturgeon also praised the work of NHS staff in Scotland, and insisted that any reduction in headcount among NHS boards would not dilute the quality of service offered to patients.

"I also want to give you the guarantee that the policy of no compulsory redundancies in the NHS will continue," she told the conference delegates.

"That policy is important. It gives those working in the NHS a job security that few other people enjoy in this financial climate."