Tag: Scottish Government

Scotland sets new goal to support breastfeeding mums

A new target will aim to further increase the number of babies who are breastfed at six to eight weeks old.

NHS Scotland will now aim to reduce the ‘drop-off rate’ – the number of mothers who stop breastfeeding – by a further 10% by 2031. The announcement follows recent statistics which showed breastfeeding rates in Scotland are at their highest level since records began in 2002.

The previous target to reduce the drop-off rate by 10% by 2024-25 was exceeded more than twice over, with a 27% reduction since 2017-18.

Jenni Minto, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health, announced the new breastfeeding goal for Scotland at the Breast Buddies support group at Perth Royal Infirmary.

The Scottish Government has invested more than £11 million additional funding in breastfeeding support since 2018, including almost £359,000 for the Breast Buddies project in Tayside. Last year, NHS Tayside became the first UK health board to receive full UNICEF Gold Baby Friendly accreditation across all services .

Ms Minto said: “The new 2031 target will help us to continue to give all babies the best possible start in life.

“The evidence is clear that supporting, protecting, and promoting breastfeeding remains one of the most effective ways to improve the health of mother and baby, in both the short and long term.

“Not everyone can or wants to breastfeed, but for those that do we will support them to meet their breastfeeding goals and improve their experiences.

“The record breastfeeding rates we have seen in Scotland would not have been possible without the dedication of NHS staff, infant feeding teams, and peer supporters. They work tirelessly to help new mums achieve their feeding goals and I thank them for their work.”

Holly Hunter, Breast Buddies Peer Supporter: “Having benefitted so much from the support offered by Breast Buddies when I had my first little one, when the opportunity to be able to become a peer supporter came up I jumped at the chance.

“Whether supporting in person or via text, it’s wonderful to be able to provide any help we can, be that a listening ear, support, or advice, particularly during what for some can be at such a vulnerable and challenging time.

“Also seeing the bonds between new mothers as they come together at groups and the support, they offer through the groups we facilitate is amazing.”

Jocelyn Smith, Breast Buddies Perth & Kinross Coordinator: “We are honoured to welcome the Minister to one of our Breast Buddies groups and showcase the invaluable support we provide to families. Since 2017, we have proudly supported families across Perth & Kinross, contributing to the significant rise in breastfeeding rates.

“Our services include antenatal and postnatal support delivered by trained breastfeeding peer supporters, available through local in-person groups, digital WhatsApp communities, and personalised one-to-one text support. Funding is always a challenge, so we deeply value every opportunity to highlight the impact of this work and ensure its sustainability.”

Gillian McMillan, Infant Nutrition Coordinator, NHS Tayside: “Across Tayside more than 70% of babies begin life being breastfed and to ensure mothers can continue breastfeeding for as long as they choose, it is vital that the right support systems are in place.

“The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding from birth up to six months of age and then continued breastfeeding, with the introduction of solid food, up to two years of age and beyond.

“There is robust evidence demonstrating the positive impact of breastfeeding peer support – not only for the mother but for the peer supporters themselves. We are proud to have Breast Buddies working in partnership with NHS Tayside to support mothers to meet their breastfeeding goals.”

Decarbonising heating in homes and buildings delayed

Housing Secretary awaits Westminster clarity

Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan has confirmed the Scottish Government will not introduce a Heat in Buildings Bill in the current session of the Scottish Parliament, following delays to the UK Government’s Warm Homes Plan and lack of clarity on cost of energy bills.

In a statement, Ms McAllan said she would not ask the Scottish Parliament to consider such an important Bill now with little time and without a full understanding of the UK policy context, due to several key policy levers being reserved and decisions delayed.

Ms McAllan reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to decarbonising buildings in Scotland by 2045 in a way that does not exacerbate fuel poverty, and announced additional grant support for homeowners of up to £7,500 (or up to £9,000 for households in island and remote rural areas) from December to incentivise connections to local heat networks. 

The Housing Secretary also said the government intended to bring forward legislation as early as possible in the next parliamentary session, subject to the outcome of the 2026 election and clarity on the UK Government position.

A draft Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) and Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill has been published to give clarity to households and investors on future plans for legislation. 

Màiri McAllan said: “Decarbonising how we heat our homes and buildings is a vital step in our efforts to tackle climate change. We must take action and in a way that does not worsen fuel poverty. The Scottish Government is fully committed to this by 2045, as set out in our draft Climate Change Plan. 

“We have always been clear that our plans depend on essential clarity from the UK Government, but repeated delays to their Warm Homes Plan have left key questions unanswered – particularly on how they intend to make the switch to clean heat more affordable by reducing the cost of electricity. 

“This is critical in ensuring decarbonising homes does not exacerbate fuel poverty at a time of spiralling energy bills.

“Ultimately, it is perverse that Scottish Ministers should be in the dark about plans related to Scotland’s own energy resources. If we had all the powers of a normal country – including over our own energy resources and market – we would not be in this position.

“In the meantime, we are determined to continue to press ahead with our existing decarbonisation agenda including developing heat networks as a significant investment proposition and viable heating source for households. Therefore, I am pleased to confirm the extension of grant funding for households to connect to local district heat networks, bringing it into line with grants available to install heat pumps.”

Since 2020, the Scottish Government has allocated £1.67 billion of funding through its Heat in Buildings schemes, including over £840 million for energy efficiency and clean heat projects.

Since 2020, the Scottish Government has supported an average of 15,000 households a year to decarbonise, including those in or at risk of fuel poverty and since the launch of Warmer Homes Scotland have helped over 47,000 households across Scotland to live in warmer homes that are more affordable to heat.  

The draft Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) and Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill includes:  

  • A heat decarbonisation target to replace direct emission heating systems in all Scottish buildings, as far as reasonably practicable, by 2045; 
  • A regulation-making power to set a Minimum Energy Performance Standard for owner-occupied and non-domestic buildings that use direct emission heating systems; and 
  • Provisions to encourage the development of heat networks, including a regulation-making power to require qualifying buildings within a heat network zone to connect to the heat network, or decarbonise their heating system 

Grant support will be introduced for homeowners to enable connections to heat networks through the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme. 

Up to £7,500 of grant funding will now be available to homeowners, in addition to the optional £7,500 interest free loan. For those that qualify for island/remote rural uplift through the scheme, an additional £1,500 of grant funding will be available. 

Gillian Campbell, Co-director at the Existing Homes Alliance, said: “This critical legislation has the potential to transform lives and communities across Scotland, cutting fuel poverty and climate emissions, whilst stimulating economic growth and job creation.

“But, creating good legislation requires proper scrutiny. As a result of repeated delays, we’re now at the stage where Parliament doesn’t have sufficient time to properly scrutinise and strengthen the Bill.  

“This Bill, as currently drafted, will not drive the scale of activity needed to upgrade Scotland’s homes and meet climate change and fuel poverty targets.

“The next Scottish Government must act quickly to put the right legislation in place, and ensure time for good quality debate. In our manifesto for Holyrood 2026, we’re calling on the next Scottish Government to deliver a clear route map to warm, healthy homes by 2045. We need early sight of effective regulations, along with multi-year funding for fuel poverty and energy efficiency programmes.

“The next government must break down the barriers that prevent households, especially those in or at risk of fuel poverty, from accessing energy efficiency upgrades and clean heating. That means fully funding support for vulnerable households and providing fair financial incentives so that everyone can make the switch to clean heating with confidence

“It’s been over four years since the Heat in Buildings Strategy was published – it’s high time we started seeing action or Scotland is going to be left behind. It’s not too late – if the next Scottish Government moves swiftly to put the right building blocks in place, all of Scotland can benefit from a just transition to energy efficient homes and clean heating that leaves no-one behind and is affordable to all.”

Caring for Carers: Young Carer Grant extended to 19-year-olds

Young carers up to age 19 will now receive Young Carer Grant following an expansion of the benefit delivered by Social Security Scotland.

The grant which was previously open to 16 to 18-year-olds is a Scottish only benefit that gives young carers a yearly payment of £390.25.

The payment can be used to pay for whatever the young person wants – like driving lessons, tech to help with work or study or new clothes.

The grant is available to young people who spend at least 16 hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit.​ It is available to young people who are in education, employed or out of work.

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Young Carer Grant recognises the important contribution that young carers make, and I’m proud that we’re able to extend eligibility further to include 19-year-olds.

“Young carers often miss out on activities enjoyed by other people their age – Young Carer Grant provides some support towards helping them do the things they like outside of their caring responsibilities.

“I would encourage young carers across the country to check their eligibility and to see what other support is available to them.”

Millie is 19 and cares for her mum and older sister in Fort William.

She said: “I was told about the Young Carer Grant through our community link worker and was able to apply for it when I was 16, 17 and 18 which was very beneficial towards my driving lessons and car insurance.

“It’s absolutely brilliant that Young Carer Grant is up to the age of 19 now. It will definitely benefit a lot of young adult carers who don’t receive any financial benefits.”

Young Carer Grant has been available to young carers in Scotland since 2019.

Applicants must have been caring for one or more people for an average of 16 hours a week for at least the last three months. If they care for more than one person, they can combine the hours of the people they care for to average 16 hours a week.

A total of 4,135 Young Carer Grant payments were made in the 2024/25 financial year. This is the highest number of payments in a financial year since the grant’s launch. (Young Carer Grant statistics 2024/25)

Young carers providing care for 35 hours a week or more may be entitled to Carer Support Payment. Young Carer Grant is not available to people who already receive Carer Support Payment.

To find out more about social security support for unpaid carers and to check eligibility, visit mygov.scot/carers 

Information on other support, such as financial support, wellbeing support and short breaks from caring, can be found at Help if you’re a carer – mygov.scot 

Scottish Government bonds launch planned

FM targets 2026/27 for first national bond

The Scottish Government is on track to issue its first bonds in 2026/27, First Minister John Swinney has announced after international ratings agencies set a credit rating matching the UK and better than other major industrial nations.

The issuance will be the first in a £1.5 billion bond programme over the life of the next parliament, subject to the outcome of the Scottish Parliament election, in-year borrowing requirements and market conditions.

Credit rating agencies Moody’s and S&P Global have each rated the Scottish Government the same level as the UK Government – and above several major European and global economies such as Spain, Italy and Japan.

First Minister John Swinney said: “The Scottish Government’s high credit ratings are testament to Scotland’s strong institutions, track record of responsible fiscal management and pro-business environment.

“We are therefore now on track to commence the bond programme from 2026/27, with the proceeds used to fund capital investment in key infrastructure.

“This is about using the powers we have to borrow better – not more – and reflects the maturity of Scotland’s public finances after more than 25 years of devolution.

“And, it is the latest step in building the institutions and tools Scotland needs for a prosperous future where our country takes responsibility for its own decisions.

“Whilst specific issuance plans will be subject to market conditions closer to the time, we will shortly commence engagement with banks to act as joint lead managers to enable the next Scottish Government to proceed without delay.”

In 2023 the Scottish Government’s Investor Panel recommended making bonds available to market as a means of raising Scotland’s profile and attracting investment.

Angus Macpherson, Chairman of financial advisory firm Noble and Co, and former co-chair of the Investor Panel, said: “I am greatly encouraged by the progress the Scottish Government is making in achieving a credit rating to raise Scotland’s profile in the international capital markets.

“This is a positive step forward and demonstrates they are serious about becoming a more investor friendly destination.”

Background

Outline Business case.

Scottish Government credit rating matches UK.

Bonds are a standard form of borrowing for governments around the world and support spending including on major infrastructure projects, with buyers owed the value of the bond plus interest over a specific period of time.

The Scotland Act 2016 devolved powers to Scotland to allow the issuing of government bonds for capital investment. 

All proceeds from a future bond issuance would be used exclusively for capital investment in line with the capital borrowing powers outlined in the Fiscal Framework agreement between the Scottish and UK Governments.

The Scottish Government is being advised by EY.

Heating support for pensioners begins

Financial support to help pensioners heat their homes this winter has started to roll out across the country. Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will provide support to at least 880,000 pensioners to help with heating bills. 

The first payments have been processed and have started to land in accounts. Payments will continue to be made throughout the winter. 

Eligible people of State Pension age will get a payment between £101.70 and £305.10 depending on their circumstances. Most people will receive their payment automatically – no action is needed.  

Everyone who is eligible will receive a letter with details of their payment. 

For pensioners with a taxable income of over £35,000, the payment will be taken back through the tax system during 2026/27. 

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We know that energy costs are too high, and that this will affect households across Scotland this winter.  

“Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will provide vital support for thousands of older people to help heat their homes and manage costs throughout the colder months. 

“People over the age of 66 don’t need to do anything – in the vast majority of cases, the payment will be made automatically to help towards a warmer winter.” 

  • The Scottish Fiscal Commission have forecast that around 1.055 million payments will be made in winter 2025-26, with the number of payments recovered estimated to be 169,000. Fiscal Update: August 2025  
  • Pension Age Winter Heating Payment replaces Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and will be delivered by Social Security Scotland.

Support for workplace learning

Strengthening skills development

Thousands of Scottish workers will gain new skills and enhance their career prospects through a £2 million investment delivered by trade unions.

The latest round of the Scottish Government’s Union Learning Fund will support 23 programmes in sectors ranging from social care to the steel industry.

Projects include helping workers seize the opportunities presented by the transition to net zero industries. In Glasgow, access to literacy and numeracy courses will be expanded to support an ongoing apprenticeships initiative at City Building.

A number of projects will also address specific skills needs in the Highlands and Islands, including courses designed to help workers adapt to new technologies in the offshore wind industry.

Announcing the funding during Scottish Careers Week and following a speech at the Scottish Union Learning Conference, Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson said: “This investment will open up opportunities for thousands of people across Scotland to boost their career prospects and increase their earning potential.

“Working in partnership with trade unions ensures workers gain high-quality, industry relevant skills, while contributing to the development of the skilled workforce Scotland needs. This latest commitment builds on more than £30 million which we have provided to date.”

Scottish Trades Union Congress General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “We welcome this funding announcement which will provide vital assistance in upskilling Scotland’s workers.

“Trade unions are at the forefront of work-based learning, helping workers across Scotland face head-on ever shifting dynamics within the workplace.

The world of work is changing. Scotland’s workers stand ready to adapt, take on the challenges and broaden their horizons.

“The learning and development the trade union movement can offer is crucial in supporting workers to gain skills and training opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible.”

Scottish Union Learning estimates that tens of thousands of people have benefited from its programmes since 2015.

16 trade unions are being supported by the Scottish Union Learning Fund in 2025-26 including:

  • UNISON – To provide learning and development for workers in social care, schools and across public services, with particular initiatives tailored to the needs of workers in the Highlands and Islands.
  • Unite the Union – To deliver a skills development programme and organising upskilling and reskilling opportunities within unionised workplaces. The programme supports workers facing redundancy and those in precarious employment, including initiatives responding to regional needs in the Highlands and Islands.
  • Community – To support skills development for workers in diverse workplaces, including Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries, Liberty Steel and court services, helping participants enhance employability and adapt to industrial change.

£600,000 humanitarian aid for the Occupied Palestinian Territories

UN humanitarian fund receives Scottish Government funding

  • UN humanitarian fund receives Scottish Government funding announced by First Minister John Swinney in September, as part of a package of measures in relation to the crisis in Gaza
  • the funding will support the delivery of life-saving health services, food and nutrition assistance, emergency shelter, water and sanitation, protection services, education support and cash for families.

The UNOCHA fund helps to coordinate the humanitarian response by international and national organisations  to those in the affected areas.

Dr Ramiz Alakbarov, Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory said: “Scotland’s generous support to the Occupied Palestinian Territories Humanitarian Fund is a lifeline for Palestinians facing immense hardship.

“This solidarity from the Scottish Government and people enables us to deliver critical, life-saving assistance to those who need it most. We are deeply grateful for this meaningful contribution.”  

External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said: “At this crucial time, Scottish Government funding will support the scaling up of the humanitarian response in Gaza. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic and the organisations on the ground will only be able to provide desperately needed assistance if the ceasefire holds and aid is allowed to enter.

“I am also pleased to report that following a request from UNICEF, 10 child patients from Gaza are now receiving treatment from NHS Scotland.

“This is part of our broader humanitarian response to the crisis ensuring vulnerable children receive the specialist medical care that they urgently need.”

The First Minister announcement of a package of measures in response to the crisis in Gaza – Support for defence companies involved in Israel halted – gov.scot

Scotland’s Abortion Law Review

Publication of independent expert group report

An independent report by an expert group set up to review the current law on abortion in Scotland has been published today.

The Abortion Law Expert Group was commissioned following a Programme for Government commitment for 2023 -24 to independently review the existing law and ensure that abortion services are safe and treated first and foremost as a healthcare matter for women.

The group was chaired by Scotland’s Women’s Health Champion Professor Anna Glasier and brought together lawyers, clinicians, academics, and representatives of women’s organisations to ensure that the voices of people with lived experience were heard. Their work considered current clinical practice, international examples, academic research, and a wide range of stakeholder views from across Scotland.

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: “I thank Professor Glasier and all the members of the Expert Group for their work and for their robust consideration of current clinical practice and research.

“I also welcome the time they have taken to consider a broad range of views from stakeholders across Scotland.

“It is right that we continue to ensure that abortion is treated as a healthcare matter and that women are supported to access safe and timely abortion services.

“The recommendations within the report represent the views of the Expert Group – it is only one part of this review process, and the Scottish Government will now begin its own period of evidence gathering and engagement with a range of stakeholders. We will take time to carefully consider all the findings and respond in due course.”

Chair and Expert Group Professor Anna Glasier said: “I am extremely pleased to see that the Expert Group’s report on the law on abortion has been published today. The Group worked incredibly hard, and benefitted greatly from the input and expertise of a wide range of stakeholders, to develop evidence-based, balanced recommendations.

“The report demonstrates the Group’s view that it is time for an abortion law that reflects the reality of current clinical practice where abortions are safely provided in the best interests of women.

“It is now for the Scottish Government to consider these recommendations and carry out the further engagement required to come to a decision on legislative proposals. I look forward to hearing the Government’s views in due course.”

 Today, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) welcomes the publication of an independent report by the expert group established to review Scotland’s abortion law.
 
The Abortion Law Expert Group was commissioned as part of the Scottish Government’s 2023–24 Programme for Government to undertake an independent review of the current law and to consider how abortion can be regulated as a safe, modern healthcare service for women.
 
In response to the report, Professor Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said: “We welcome this report – the proposed changes in Scotland represent an important step towards ensuring that women can access abortion care safely, confidentially and without fear of investigation or prosecution.

“These recommendations also reflect a positive trend across all four nations of the UK towards treating abortion as essential healthcare rather than a criminal issue.

“In England and Wales, MPs have already sent a clear message by voting to remove women from the criminal law – reflecting public opinion that reproductive rights matter. We now urge Peers in the House of Lords to follow suit and back this vital amendment to see abortion decriminalised.

“Abortion is healthcare that around one in three women will need in their lifetime, and it should be regulated and delivered to the same professional standards as any other medical procedure, not through the criminal law.”

  • Read the full report via the Scottish Government’s website here.

Review of Abortion Law in Scotland Expert Group Report – gov.scot

Supporting global climate action

Funding for loss and damage, resilience and human rights

In support of international efforts to address the impacts of climate change, the Scottish Government has confirmed funding for loss and damage, human rights and adaptation projects, as part of the £36 million Climate Justice Fund.

Recognising that communities in the Global South, who have contributed least to global warming, are being hit hardest by the impacts of the climate crisis, £540,000 Climate Justice funding will be awarded to nine Latin American organisations supporting indigenous groups.

This will be used to preserve forests and lakes in the Andes, support the needs of marginalised groups including women, and protect local ancestral knowledge, culture and language at risk of being lost due to migration forced by climate change.

The remaining funding will help communities prepare for the known impacts of climate change – such as flooding and drought.

It will also support research into the impact of climate change on human rights – as rising temperatures increase the levels of poverty, inequality and displacement experienced by communities across the globe.

It includes:

  • £150,000 grant funding through the Climate Justice Fund to support a UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights
  • £100,000 funding to Regions4 to deliver a pilot project aimed at helping a community in the Global South reduce its vulnerability against climate impacts such as extreme weather or food and water insecurity and tackle inequalities.

Announcing the funding at the COP30 UN Climate Summit in Brazil, Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “The injustice at the heart of the global climate crisis is why Scotland became the first country in the world to establish a Climate Justice Fund more than a decade ago and why we have led the way in being the first Global North country to commit funding to address loss and damage.  

“The impacts of climate change are already being felt by communities across the globe – and this funding from the Scottish Government will make a real difference to support those who have done the least to cause the climate crisis but are feeling its effects the most acutely.

“It also underlines our commitment to advancing human rights as the impacts of climate change are felt by communities across the globe.

“At COP30, I have advocated for a stronger role for devolved governments in international climate processes and policies. I have also amplified the voices of countries in the Global South – through Scotland’s role as Regions4 President and Under2 co-chair – and we will continue to play our part in tackling the climate crisis here in Scotland and across the world.

“Scotland is also taking action domestically to help ensure we reach our net zero targets. Our recently published draft Climate Change Plan sets out over 150 actions to reduce emissions up to 2040 across different sectors, and is the first climate plan in the UK to set out the costs and benefits of policies.”

£20 million to boost social care capacity this winter

Health Secretary urges those eligible to get flu vaccine

Health Secretary Neil Gray has updated parliament on winter preparations for the NHS, urging people to take up the flu vaccine and confirming up to £20 million to bolster social care capacity.

The £20 million investment will be targeted at initiatives by health boards to increase social care capacity and provide extra support at the front door of A&Es, which will reduce admissions and relieve pressure on acute services.

Mr Gray also warned of the potential impact of the flu virus this winter, with emerging evidence suggesting an early and potentially difficult flu season. He urged everyone eligible to get their vaccination, particularly children and young people who can transmit the virus to vulnerable family members and friends.

To help deal with increased winter pressures, the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) will recruit more than 290 new frontline A&E staff this year, including newly qualified paramedics and ambulance care assistants.

To ensure callers are dealt with more efficiently this winter, NHS 24 has also implemented a new call centre system backed by £5 million of investment. Over 90% of callers triaged by NHS 24 as needing an ambulance response now have their call information transferred and referred digitally – this removes repetitive stages of the call process and significantly speeds up the process for patients.

The Health Secretary has also directed health boards to undertake a new approach, working together to plan digital care and business systems, and make best use of available capacity for orthopaedic elective services – ensuring patients receive the care they need as soon as possible.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “We know pressure on the system exacerbates over winter and I am determined to ensure that pressure is relieved as much as possible. We have been preparing plans for this winter season throughout the past year with NHS boards and local authorities.

“Our investment of £20 million will be crucial in our efforts to bolster social care capacity, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and ensure people receive the right care in the most appropriate setting.

“A key part of our winter response is prevention and our national flu vaccination programme is well underway. Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect our own health and those around us – with flu cases rising and initial evidence suggesting this may be an early and potentially difficult flu season, I urge all those who are eligible to get vaccinated.  

“We have significantly increased Scottish Ambulance Service staffing and we are investing in capacity in our NHS 24 call centres so that people are getting the right support quickly and when they need it.

“Our dedicated health and social care staff are the cornerstone of our winter response every year – they will continue to work tirelessly in the coming months to provide excellent care, and I thank them for their outstanding efforts.”

The funding of £20 million comes from the 2025-26 health and social care budget to deliver improvements in urgent and unscheduled care and patient flow, linked to the Operational Improvement Plan.

Winter planning is undertaken collaboratively between health boards and local authorities and the Scottish Government has worked with the NHS and COSLA to ensure local plans are underpinned by consistent national principles.

These are set out in publication of “National Planning Priorities and Principles for Surge and Winter Preparedness in Health and Social Care”

Responding to the Scottish government’s £20 million funding announcement to boost social care capacity this winter, alongside its National Planning for Winter and Surge Pressures in Health and Social Care, unveiled this week (13 November 2025), RCEM Vice President for Scotland Dr Fiona Hunter said: “We welcome and recognise this much needed investment into social care.  

“Even though this funding is not for care happening inside the walls of Emergency Departments, bolstering social care capacity is one of the best ways to make sure people can leave hospital when they are deemed medically well enough to do so.  

“Last winter, from November to February, there were 1,991 patients stuck in hospital each day, despite being well enough to leave. That was a record. We can’t let a new record be set this year.  

“We need these beds. Patients are spending extreme hours in our departments waiting for that elusive ward bed to become available, often in a corridor, on a trolley or another inappropriate space.   

“However, this burst of funding could be too little, too late, to make a meaningful difference this winter. We are already in November and on the cusp of what will be gruelling months ahead for both our workforce, and our patients.  

“Further winter plans announced place too much emphasis on attendance avoidance – diverting people away from ED. While this is of course welcome, the crisis in which our EDs find themselves has not been caused by an increase in demand. 

“The number of people attending our departments this summer was lower than it was in 2019, yet 20 times as many people this year waited 12 or more hours to be admitted, discharged or transferred.  

“And we know this is where the harm lies for our patients in ED.  

“The announcement is a good start at a time when the health service is about to enter what will be yet another very challenging winter. But the crisis in our Emergency Departments is taking a heavy toll on our members, and their colleagues.  

“We need continued support and action from the government to address these deep-rooted long-term problems that are no longer confined to winter.”