THE SNP Scottish government’s Budget plans for the NHS will lead to faster appointments and a smoother service, Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray claimed today.

Wednesday’s draft Budget announcement pledged a £2 billion uplift for the services, taking total funding to a record £21bn next year if approved by MSPs. 

Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison told MSPs the cash would deliver 600 new beds as she set a new target of no-one waiting more than 12 months for a new outpatient appointment by Match 2026.

Mr Gray dismissed Scottish Labour’s criticism at the apparent lack of a plan to deal with a spiralling crisis they claim have left one in six people in Scotland on a waiting list and delayed discharges at a record high.

He said: “Most of the stories I hear about people’s experience of the NHS are positive, thanks to the dedication and empathy of health and social care staff across the country.

“But I know some people are waiting too long and finding appointments hard to come by.

“We want everyone to have a positive experience of the NHS, so we have listened and are taking action.”