GALLOWAY and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson last night described the financial woes facing NHS Dumfries and Galloway as “catastrophic”.
He said: “I am almost dumbstruck as to why the Scottish Government is now looking for savings of nearly £58 million when both NHS and council-run adult care services are already at breaking point.
“This is a terrible moment for all concerned including the staff who are already going beyond their hours and duties just to keep things going.”
He pointed to the comments of the Chief Finance Officer on the threat to essential services, adding: “The fact that the Integrated Joint Board has to now identify savings and drive efficiencies while at the same time tackle cost services such as staffing, prescribing and care provision that are also rising makes the task even more insurmountable. It is akin to getting blood out of a stone – impossible.
“The task is made even harder by the Scottish Government’s refusal to provide emergency funding, or brokerage will be provided this year.”
Mr Carson said he will be pressing the Health Secretary to reconsider and warn him of the serious dangers ahead.
