A number of statistics revealed this week show that the Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS board is benefitting from the SNP’s commitment to protecting NHS frontline services.

Dental figures show that 1.2 million more people are registered with dentists than in March 2007, with Greater Glasgow & Clyde having the highest level of children registered (85.6%).  With 77.3% of adults registered compared to 55.4% in 2007, both children and adult registration in the area is higher than the Scottish average. 

The figures also show an 8% reduction in the number of senior managers in Scotland’s 14 health boards as well as a 4% increase in tests since 2007-08 in the Scottish Cervical Screening Programme. The largest increase was in patients who had enough time to speak to their doctor which was up by 4% to 82%.

Commenting, Mr Mackay said:

“These are encouraging statistics and I’m delighted the SNP are well on the way to the 25% cut in NHS senior manager posts to save £100million a year in Scotland.

“Despite facing UK government cuts the SNP’s determination to protect the NHS has seen services continue to improve.  Quality in patient care always comes first which is why I’m pleased to see more people are getting enough time to speak to their doctors and waiting time figures showing we are well on course to meet our target of more patients being treated sooner. 

“This is testament to the hard work of staff that are helping Scotland achieve a first-class health service.

“The SNP are committed to creating a health system that is better and faster as well as meeting the financial challenges without compulsory redundancies. These statistics show we are getting closer to that goal.”

Notes:The health statistics can be found here http://www.isdscotland.org/index.asp and here http://home.scotland.gov.uk/home