Scottish Labour is calling on the SNP to take responsibility for a poor budget settlement that is leaving to cuts in staff numbers and frontline services in hospitals across Scotland.

A poor funding settlement for the NHS, combined with an increase in the cost of drugs and higher than expected pay deals, is creating considerable challenges for the NHS, according to a report from the Auditor General.

Labour's Health Spokesman Dr Richard Simpson said:

"The Auditor General's report confirms that the Scottish Government's decision to give the NHS its worst budget settlement since devolution is creating 'considerable challenges'.

"We are already seeing the consequences, with Health Boards across Scotland being forced to reduce staff numbers, review frontline services such as cancer care and put off maintenance to buildings.

"I am deeply concerned that the SNP are putting pressure on services by demanding further efficiency savings at the same time as they are imposing a real terms cut in health board budgets.

"SNP ministers are failing to pass on the 6.7 per cent year on year increases that the UK Government is delivering for the NHS in England. Nicola Sturgeon should tell us where this money is being spent."

4 December 2008