will today (Wednesday) pledge to raise NHS
inpatient, day case and outpatient activity to 10% above the
pre-pandemic level as she sets out that the SNP “is the only
party with a serious plan for government and for national
recovery from COVID.”
In a speech today on the NHS, the SNP Leader will thank staff for
their efforts during an extraordinary year - and will note that
staff numbers are at record levels, that patient satisfaction
continues to be high, and that Scotland’s core A&E services
have been the best performing in the UK for more than 5 years.
Ms Sturgeon will unveil measures to support NHS staff, to invest
more in ensuring people get the right support closer to home, and
to maximise hospital capacity so patients can be treated more
quickly.
So far in the election, the SNP has already pledged to deliver a
National Care Service in the next Scottish Parliament, and
establish a network of fast-track cancer diagnosis centres in
every part of Scotland.
In addition, NHS Agenda for Change staff have been offered the
single biggest pay increase in the history of devolution with an
average of 4%.
Plans for SNP investment in the NHS and social care services will
be set out in the manifesto.
is expected to say:
“What has become clear during this election campaign is that the
SNP is the only party with a serious plan for government and for
national recovery from COVID - a plan to build a fairer, more
equal country, grounded in a sense of solidarity where we look
out for one another.
“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.
“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 First Minister will conclude:
“In this election if you want experienced leadership and a
serious government to guide Scotland through the pandemic and
into recovery please give both votes to the SNP.
“If you want a bold, progressive plan for government with the
remobilization of the NHS at its heart make it both votes SNP.”
