Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has questioned the rising administrative costs in NHS Tayside. Whilst the majority of NHS boards are trying to control behind the scenes spending, costs in NHS Tayside have spiralled since the SNP came to power in 2007.
In 2006/7 NHS Tayside spent £51 million on administration, last year the equivalent figure was over £65 million. There is a growing concern that frontline care spending is being short-changed at the behest of administrative expenses.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Ultimately our hospitals and community centres must work for the patients they serve, and undoubtedly administrative staff play a vital role in providing care.
“However, with admin costs decreasing across Scotland, Tayside has witnessed an increase. I am sure there is a perfectly plausible explanation for this, but it must be heard.
“Recently, questions have been raised over the future of Perth Royal Infirmary. The situation cannot arise whereby frontline care is being compromised as a result of backroom spending.”