Jardine: UK Budget must help fix the NHS and care

Speaking ahead of the UK Budget on Wednesday, Liberal Democrat Scottish affairs spokesperson Christine Jardine MP said:

“Making the NHS and social care a top priority in the UK Budget could help fix the crisis at the front door and the back door of the NHS.

“Hundreds of thousands of people are locked out of work by physical and mental ill health. By repairing the crisis in social care and getting everyone faster access to care we can cut waiting lists, help people get on in life and kickstart the economy.

“People are waiting an age but the SNP have poured cold water on essential NHS projects all across Scotland, from the Edinburgh Eye Pavilion to the Belford hospital. The efforts of staff to tackle the treatment backlogs are being held back by the SNP’s mismanagement of the public finances.

“The Chancellor must invest any extra borrowing wisely including paving the way for productive investment in Scotland’s crumbling NHS buildings and the local fast-access health facilities our communities need.”