Press release: Scottish NHS Confederation says the rise in this year's NHS Board allocations has to be seen in context
18 Mar 2003
The Scottish NHS Confederation welcomes the levels of increase in NHS Board allocations announced today by Malcolm Chisholm, but says the increases must be seen in context given the increasing financial demands Boards are faced with from pay pressures to cost increases in the service above the rate of general inflation.
The Director of the Scottish NHS Confederation, Hilary Robertson said: "The levels of increase announced today in NHS Board allocations are very welcome. However, they do need to be seen in context. The sums announced are intended to take account, among other things, of the new consultants' contract, some aspects of the new general medical services (GMS) contract, the New Deal for junior doctors and other pay pressures, the implications of which are not yet known. In addition, while the percentage increases are well above general inflation, cost increases in the NHS, for example on drugs and other supplies, can be significantly higher and could be up to eight to12 per cent."
Ms Robertson added: "As a result, the challenges facing Boards in developing new services and improving existing ones will remain."
Ends
Notes for editors
- The NHS Confederation represents the organisations that make up the NHS. Our members include the majority of NHS boards and trusts in Scotland.
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