Doctors respond to the Chancellor’s budget statement

Doctors respond to the Chancellor’s budget statement

The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh has responded to today’s budget statement from the Chancellor, encouraging any additional funding for the NHS to be passed on in Barnett consequentials in Scotland.

Commenting, Professor Andrew Elder, President of The Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh said:

The College welcomes the Chancellor’s announcement of £2.5bn for the NHS – but this must be spent effectively. While we welcome investment in IT infrastructure, the workforce needs of the NHS must not be forgotten. People need to see a qualified medical professional.

The NHS is under immense strain throughout the UK, and this situation is no different in Scotland. Any consequentials from today’s announcement must be passed onto frontline services in Scotland. It is essential that healthcare colleagues are given the support that they need to address backlogs in treatment and elective surgery.

We also welcome the announcements of a new levy on vaping and an increase in tobacco duty. Governments must not take their eye off the ball in moving towards a tobacco free future.