Letters / SNP shortchanged NHS
Brian Nugent SNP (SNP raised NHS funding; SN 7/5/15), you’ve retreated from your original position that Shetland was not being “short-changed” by the SNP Scottish government on NHS funding and are now trying to bring it into the present tense, AFTER the SNP has been forced, thanks to some brilliant work over the last five years by local NHS staff who made the case, helped by Alistair and Tavish’s interventions and… ahem!…. the General Election.
The SNP has admitted the formula they introduced in 2009/10 resulted in NHS Shetland receiving £4 million per year less than the new arrangement, just in time for the election.
Assuming Shetland received £2 million per year over the five years above what the 2009/10 formula allocated, then NHS Shetland has been under-funded by: £(4M – 2M) per year = £2 million per year.
It follows that, over the past five years, NHS Shetland has been “short-changed” by £2 million/year for five years, a total of ten million pounds!
This money has been lost forever – unless, of course, Holyrood intends to pay it back?
What are the chances of that, Brian Nugent?
John Tulloch
Lyndon
Arrochar
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.