Supporting the NHS The Scottish Government has released £12 million in additional funding to health boards across Scotland to support non-COVID emergency care. This immediate action will help put measures in place to reduce waiting times for urgent or emergency treatment, with a focus on
Scotland’s Test and Protect contact tracing system will see its workforce bolstered with the deployment of additional staff over the coming week to help address a rising number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said recent changes to the system are helping its
Dedicated portal to reach last group of social care workers. A special online portal has been launched for more than 10,000 Personal Assistants across Scotland to ensure they receive a £500 thank-you payment. The Personal Assistant workforce are employed directly by disabled people, for whom
Earlier slots for over-40s to help combat Delta variant. People over 40 whose second coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination appointment is scheduled more than eight weeks after their first are being encouraged to seek an earlier slot. It follows recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination
First Minister Sets Out Priorities for Government Scotland’s recovery from the pandemic will be driven by an ambitious programme to build a modern, high-tech economy while staying true to enduring values of fairness and compassion, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said. Outlining her priorities for
Talks on Co-operation Agreement Announced Graeme has described the Scottish Government’s announcement of structured talks with the Scottish Green Party, with a view to reaching a formal Co-operation Agreement, as “grown-up politics in action”. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said the move is part of
Uplift for Agenda for Change health workers After positive discussions over recent weeks with NHS Trade Unions and NHS Employers, the Scottish Government has offered a substantial pay rise for NHS Scotland Agenda for Change staff. If accepted by staff, this deal will be most
Mental Health Focus to Support Pandemic Recovery Graeme has welcomed the announcement of a 5.8% increase in 2021/22 in the number of student nurses, midwives, and paramedics entering Scottish Government funded degree programmes – the ninth successive increase in a row. Overall, this year’s increase
More people will be able to socialise outdoors following good progress in suppressing Coronavirus (COVID-19), the First Minister has announced. Up to four adults from two households will be able to meet locally in any outdoor space, including in private gardens, for social and recreational
More Pupils Back from 15 March Graeme has welcomed the First Minister’s announcement that all remaining primary school children are set to return to school full-time from 15 March – with all secondary pupils returning on a part-time basis from that date. Regulated childcare, including