£20 Million Boost to Tackle NHS Winter Pressures

On November 13, 2025, the Scottish Health Secretary, Neil Gray, outlined his plans to address the winter pressures facing the NHS. The key elements of his strategy include a £20 million investment to increase social care capacity and provide extra support at Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments. This funding is intended to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and relieve pressure on acute services.

In addition to the financial boost, the government has also confirmed the recruitment of 290 new ambulance staff this financial year, although the exact number hired since April is unclear. The Health Secretary also warned of the potential impact of the flu virus, urging everyone eligible to get their vaccination, particularly children and young people who can transmit the virus to vulnerable family members and friends.

To further improve the efficiency of the healthcare system, the government has invested £5 million to create a new call centre system for NHS 24, which now allows more than 90% of callers triaged as needing an ambulance to have their call information transferred and referred digitally, significantly speeding up the process for patients.