Millions to be saved in NHS efficiency bid

TENS of millions of pounds of NHS savings will be made in the Lothians thanks to a scheme launched today, the Scottish Government has said.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon was set to unveil the revamped NHS Efficiency and Productivity Framework initiative. It is understood as part of the nationwide 300 million savings, as much as 50m could be in the Lothians.

The plan sets out areas where savings can be made, without harming front line services.

Ms Sturgeon even claimed hospitals and healthcare in general will benefit from the plan.

She said: "It is vital that the NHS operates as efficiently as possible to ensure patients are given the speediest and highest quality care and the health service achieves best value for the public purse. I am sure the board will rise to the challenge to improve efficiency and quality, enabling them to redesign services for the better."