How is the SNP supporting Scotland’s NHS staff?

The SNP values Scotland’s NHS workforce and is committed to investing in Scotland’s NHS workforce.

Since the SNP took office, there are over 31,300 more doctors, nurses and other staff working in Scotland’s NHS, an increase of over 24.6% since 2006.

SNP ministers published a National Health and Social Care Workforce Strategy, which sets out a long-term vision for achieving a sustainable health and social care workforce.

And in 2023, we announced an additional 153 training posts for junior doctors, bringing the total number of extra training places created since 2014 to 880.

The SNP has also increased nursing student numbers every year for the last decade.

Scotland remains the only country in the UK to have been successful in averting NHS strikes over pay.

The robust pay deals offered by the SNP in government play a crucial role in retaining Scotland’s NHS workforce, as well as improving the well-being of NHS staff.

It ensures the sustainability of NHS Scotland’s ability to provide efficient services amidst the current challenges it faces.

In contrast, in NHS England, over 1.5 million medical appointments have been cancelled due to strike action since March 2023, at an estimated cost of over £3 billion.

Meanwhile, the SNP government’s record pay deal has ensured Scotland’s junior doctors are the highest paid in the UK, avoiding strike action completely.