Record NHS funding will lead to faster appointments, vows Gray

Record funding for the NHS in the Scottish Budget will lead to faster appointments and a smoother service, Health Secretary Neil Gray has said.

The Budget published this week set out £21 billion for the health service and social care.

MSPs will vote on the Budget Bill in February, following negotiations between parties at Holyrood.

On Friday, Gray visited Linlithgow Medical Practice in West Lothian.

The health secretary said: “Most of the stories I hear about people’s experience of the NHS are positive, thanks to the dedication and empathy of health and social care staff across the country.

“But I know some people are waiting too long and finding appointments hard to come by.

“We want everyone to have a positive experience of the NHS, so we have listened and are taking action.”

The Budget set a March 2026 target for no patient to wait longer than 12 months for a new outpatient appointment.

It also funded 600 beds for the hospital at home scheme.

Gray added: “I am determined that every penny of the record £21 billion allocated to health and social care helps make each patient’s experience as smooth as possible at what can be a worrying time.

“We want to improve our NHS, but to do that Parliament must approve our Budget Bill to unlock investment to drive long-term and lasting improvements – and the healthier population that we all want to see.”

Labour has criticised the Budget proposals for lacking details of reform in the public sector, saying one in six Scots are now on an NHS waiting list.

The Conservatives said it will mean people in Scotland “pay more and get less”.