School nurses failure slammed

LABOUR today accused the SNP of breaking a pledge to boost children's health checks by doubling the number of school nurses.

Figures obtained under freedom of information legislation showed in Lothian the number of whole-time-equivalent school nurses had increased from 31.63 in 2007 to just 34.03 last year.

The SNP manifesto at the 2007 election said: "To identify health problems early we will introduce annual health and fitness checks in schools, delivered by doubling the number of school nurses."

Edinburgh Central Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said: "At this rate, it would take over 20 years for this policy pledge to be met."