Nicola Sturgeon to unveil NHS recovery plan

Nicola Sturgeon will today unveil an NHS recovery plan and claim only her party has a “serious plan” for Government.

In a speech on the NHS the First Minister will pledge to raise NHS inpatient, day case and outpatient activity to 10 per cent above the pre-pandemic level.

Ms Sturgeon will also promise measures to support NHS staff, invest more in support closer to home, and maximise hospital capacity so patients can be treated more quickly.

She is expected to say: “At the very heart of our plan is the National Health Service - and if we are re-elected the SNP will bring forward a plan for a full-scale post-pandemic remobilisation of the NHS.

The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will today unveil her NHS recovery plan

“Our plan has three clear steps: firstly invest in, and recognize, the contribution of the magnificent NHS staff who care for us.

“Secondly, enable more people to get the right support closer to their home.

“Thirdly, building and maximizing hospital capacity so more patients can be treated more quickly.

“The ambition is bold but achievable – to recover from the pandemic, remobilize our NHS and give patients and staff the services they need to protect and enhance our NHS for the future.

“Our overarching aim will be to raise inpatient, day-case and outpatient treatment activity by 10 per cent, compared to pre-pandemic activity, within the first year of the new Parliament and to maintain that level for the rest of the term.

“I believe that working with our NHS staff, local communities, patient groups and trade unions, we can get help people get the treatment they need and get Scotland’s NHS not just back to where it was, but ready to serve Scotland long into the future.”

The SNP have already promised to deliver a National Care Service in the next Scottish Parliament, as well as establish fast-track cancer diagnosis centres in every part of Scotland.

It comes as the Scottish Conservatives launched their "Rebuilding Roadmap", containing a five point plan for the election from leader Douglas Ross.

This includes recruiting 3,000 more teachers, delivering £500 Retrain to Rebuild skills grants for everyone, giving £2 billion extra for Scotland’s NHS, restoring local policing and completing the rollout of full fibre broadband by 2027.

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