English NHS plans are 'outrageous waste'

LOTHIANS SNP MSP and former Wester Hailes GP Ian McKee has accused the UK Government of an "outrageous waste of money" after it was revealed it has set aside nearly £1.7 billion this year for reorganising the NHS south of the border.

He said the money was seven times the amount the Conservative-Liberal Democrat government aimed to save on management.

Dr McKee said: "These figures are astronomical in these financially troubled times. When cut backs are being threatened, it is unbelievable that such money will be wasted on yet more postcode health care in England."

And he said Scots should welcome the fact the SNP was not pursuing the same "ideological chimera".

But he added: "It is clear what the Tories and Lib Dems would do to the Scottish health service given the chance."