Commenting on Audit Scotland’s report into the finances of Integrated Joint Boards, UNISON Scotland health lead Matt McLaughlin said today (Thursday):
“Integrated Care Boards aren’t the answer to improving Scotland’s health services and that view is reinforced by this report.
“It highlights the disastrous budget shortfall of nearly half a billion pounds and ongoing cuts to services that are letting communities down.
“That means those with mental health needs, addictions problems, require support for independent living or struggling with poverty aren’t getting the help they deserve.
“Scotland’s health services are in dire straits and the social care system is in crisis. They need more staff and investment if waiting lists are ever to be brought down.”
Notes to editors
– UNISON is the largest health union, representing over 60,000 NHS staff in Scotland including nurses, midwives, call handlers, paramedics, administrators, allied professional staff, caterers, porters and facilities staff.