NICOLA Sturgeon will set out that the SNP “is the only party with a serious plan for government and for national recovery from Covid”.
The First Minister will today pledge to raise NHS inpatient, day case and outpatient activity to 10% above the pre-pandemic level.
In a speech, the SNP leader will thank NHS staff for their efforts during a challenging year – and will note that staff numbers are at record levels, in addition to patient satisfaction continuing to be high.
Scotland’s core A&E services have also been the best performing in the UK for more than five years.
Sturgeon will unveil measures to support staff, to invest more in ensuring people get the right support closer to home and to maximise hospital capacity so patients can be treated more quickly.
So far in the election, the SNP have already pledged to deliver a National Care Service in the next Scottish Parliament and establish a network of fast-track cancer diagnosis centres in every part of Scotland.
In addition, NHS Agenda for Change staff have been offered the single biggest pay increase in the history of devolution with an average of 4%.
Plans for SNP investment in the NHS and social care services will be set out in the manifesto.
In her speech, Sturgeon is expected to say: “What has become clear during this election campaign is that the SNP is the only party with a serious plan for government and for national recovery from Covid – a plan to build a fairer, more equal country, grounded in a sense of solidarity where we look out for one another.
“At the very heart of our plan is the National Health Service, and if we are re-elected the SNP will bring forward a plan for a full-scale post-pandemic re-mobilisation of the NHS.
“Our plan has three clear steps: firstly invest in, and recognise, the contribution of the magnificent NHS staff who care for us.
“Secondly, enable more people to get the right support closer to their home.”
She will add: “Thirdly, building and maximizing hospital capacity so more patients can be treated more quickly.
“The ambition is bold but achievable – to recover from the pandemic, remobilise our NHS and give patients and staff the services they need to protect and enhance our NHS for the future.
“Our overarching aim will be to raise inpatient, day-case and outpatient treatment activity by 10%, compared to pre-pandemic activity, within the first year of the new parliament and to maintain that level for the rest of the term.
“I believe that working with our NHS staff, local communities, patient groups and trade unions, we can get help people get the treatment they need and get Scotland’s NHS not just back to where it was, but ready to serve Scotland long into the future.”
The First Minister will conclude: “If you want a bold, progressive plan for government with the re-mobilisation of the NHS at its heart, make it both votes SNP.”
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