In The Red Job Cuts Warning As Scotland's NHS Boards On Track To Be Nearly £400 Million In Debt

28th November 2023

SNP ministers have warned of public sector job cuts as it emerged Scotland's NHS boards are on track to be £400 million in the red this financial year.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison said there was "no doubt" that staffing would have to be slashed in a bid to tighten budgets - with unions branding the threats "appalling".

NHS Ayrshire and Arran, NHS Borders, NHS Highland, and NHS Orkney - had been placed at stage three of the framework for finances.

The board of NHS Highland met today 28 November 2023 to discuss the ongoing financial problem along with other matters on the agenda.
See the Financial Statement of 28 November
NHS Highland submitted a financial plan to Scottish Government for the 2023/2024 financial year in March 2023. An initial budget gap of £98.172m was presented with a Cost Improvement Programme of £29.500m proposed, leaving a residual gap of £68.672m; work is ongoing, within the Board and nationally to look at options and
schemes to close this gap. Scottish Government provided additional funding and the Board is now looking to deliver a financial deficit of no more than £55.800m. This report summarises the position at Month 6, provides a forecast through to the end of the financial year and highlights the current and ongoing service pressures.

Read the full story in the Scottish Sun

NHS Highland meetings are held open live online and the web cast will be available soon to view on the NHS Highland web site.