Highland Council calls for more NHS Highland funding

The Highlands has been “uniquely disadvantaged” by under-funding of the region’s health service, councillors were told today.

A formula used to calculate the cash grant for Scottish health boards had wrongly worked out that NHS Highland was over funded.

This meant that the board’s settlement was reduced in real terms since 2008.

However a report by the Auditor General has confirmed that the formula had disadvantaged the board.

A motion raised by three members of the Liberal Democrat group called on the Scottish Government to fund NHS Highland at the proper level.

Councillor David Alston said that the error had had implications for health care in the Highlands.

Councillor Kate Stephen said she was angry about the situation.

She added: “It’s personal. It’s about our friends, neighbours and constituent.”

Councillors unanimously supported the motion.

They also agreed an addition from Margaret Davidson calling for NHS Highland to draw up a financial improvement plan as soon as possible.