Patients and staff need action now from John Swinney rather than empty promises

Patients and staff must be at the heart of any Scottish government plans if the NHS is to have any hope of recovery, says UNISON today (Monday)

Speaking ahead of a planned speech on NHS reform by John Swinney this morning, UNISON

Scotland co-lead for health Matt McLaughlin said: “Patients and staff need action from John Swinney now. Promises of ‘jam tomorrow’ won’t solve the many critical problems the NHS is facing today.

“The NHS has a staffing crisis. NHS workers need to know how the government will fill vacancies, improve pay, transform social care and give better patient care.”

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.

– The first minister is due to speak at 10am speech today (Monday) at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS.