NHS Lothian mental health spending tops £1 billion since 2007

Scottish NHS Boards commit nearly £8 billion to tackle mental health services over decade

Latest figures have revealed that NHS Lothian spending on mental health services has totalled over £1 billion since 2007. Local MSP Ben Macpherson says the figures show the SNP’s commitment to supporting those with mental health issues since the party came to power a decade ago.

The spending by NHS Lothian has given locals across the Edinburgh area vital lifeline support, and the funding continues to increase – with the mental health budget across Scotland set to top £1 billion for the first time in 2017/18.

The total invested by the NHS across Scotland in mental health care between 2007/08 and 2015/16 stood at nearly £8 billion.

Welcoming the latest figures, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Ben Macpherson, said: “These figures demonstrate the SNP’s strong commitment to supporting those with mental health conditions – and this cumulative investment since 2007 has made a meaningful and positive impact and made a real difference for many people. 

“To see over £1 billion invested in mental health services by NHS Lothian shows how seriously we take mental health provision in Edinburgh.

“Over the course of this parliament, the SNP is committed to increasing funding for mental health services further still, and to transforming mental health care – to ensure those most in need get the support they need as soon as possible.

“The recently launched mental health strategy will provide targeted support, with an increased mental health workforce in A&E, GP practices, police stations and prisons – as well as reviewing the counselling and guidance arrangements in schools.

“And this year, for the first time, the Scottish Government is investing over £1 billion in mental health services. There’s no denying that more still needs to be done, but the SNP are taking decisive action to ensure our mental health services continue to improve – as well as tackling root causes of mental ill health, such as poverty.

“The mental health of people in the Lothians and across Scotland is absolutely vital to our wellbeing as a nation – and, while there is still need for further improvement, it is good to see that the NHS has been investing significantly to enhance these services across Edinburgh.”