Alasdair Allan, SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s draft budget announcement, aTher it was confirmed that health services in the islands will receive a £2.7million boost next year. The increase will see NHS Western Isles’ funding increase 3.7 per cent year-on-year.
Finance Secretary Derek Mackay did, however, highlight the risk Brexit plays to this investment, with the potential for the Scottish Government to be forced to review the budget should the UK face a ‘No Deal’ scenario.
Commenting, Dr Allan said: ‘People across the Western Isles will welcome the significant investment in our local NHS services, with a real-term increase in spending announced in the draft budget. ‘The Brexit chaos, however, presents a real and present risk to this investment.