Ayrshire health board in financial government move

(Image: Geograph Britain)

NHS Ayrshire and Arran have welcomed additional support by the Scottish Government in a time of “serious financial challenges”.

The move sees £1.1 billion being injected into the regional health board, but have now been moved to stage four of the NHS Scotland Support and Intervention Framework.

Health Secretary Neil Gray says the move comes with “enhanced scrutiny and dedicated support” as the they aim to get finances, labelled as “unprecedented” by Audit Scotland in November, back on track.

Mr Gray added that he has faith in the health board’s interim Chief Executive Gordon James and his team to help steady the current situation.

In a statement, Mr James said: “We acknowledge the Scottish Government’s decision to escalate NHS Ayrshire and Arran to Level 4 of the NHS Scotland Support and Intervention Framework.

“We recognise the seriousness of the financial challenges we face and welcome the enhanced external support this brings.

“We are committed to working closely and constructively with the Assurance Board and Scottish Government colleagues to stabilise our financial position, improve financial governance and performance, and accelerate the actions already underway to return the organisation to a sustainable footing.”

James also ensured that NHS staff in the region are continuing to deliver “high-quality care” every day as he looks to progress and support them.

Stage four of the framework has been outlined by the Scottish Government as taking action where “major risks of delivery and tailored assistance” appear in health board operations.