NHS Scotland will receive an investment of £10 million to tackle increasing winter pressures across the country.
The funding is expected to help cut down hospital attendances, where possible, through the provision of care closer to home for individuals with chronic conditions and minor injuries. There will be a greater focus on utilising community pharmacies in a better manner and guiding patients to the best service for their needs. The investment will also support hospitals in discharging patients over weekends and holidays where they are fit to go home.
The funding allocated to health boards is in addition to the £6.3 million that was earlier allocated for unscheduled care and is comparable with the last winter's investment. In the wake of Brexit, the government is already shaping additional support for the boards this winter.
Jeane Freeman, the Health Secretary, said: "Winter creates particular pressures on our health and social care system, so it's important that we are well prepared. We need strong leadership and collaborative working across the whole system to ensure people are getting the right help in the right place."
