Question reference: S5W-32398
- Asked by: Michelle Ballantyne, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 8 October 2020
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Current status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 30 October 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide additional funding to NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Council in the event of a need to bail out the Scottish Borders Integration Joint Board.
Answer
The Scottish Government has consistently made clear that we will provide the necessary funding across health and care services to recognise the additional costs of responding to COVID-19 and to ensure that patient safety remains the top priority at all times.
On 29 September the Scottish Government confirmed funding of £1.1 billion across NHS Boards and Integration Authorities. This included funding of £11.4 million for NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Integration Joint Board to support pressures arising from the response to the Covid-19 pandemic. We have also committed to provide additional funding across the sector following further reviews in November and January.
Both NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Integration Joint Board continue to work towards financial balance this year.