Bill for Covid is still rising, as NHS Highland calls on Scottish Government for extra £34 million

NHS Highland will need at least another £34 million from the Scottish Government to cover the cost of Covid-related medical services.

The extra cash injection, if it is approved, will come on top of £39 million already given to the health board this year to help it meet the challenges of dealing with coronavirus.

It anticipates further costs to come before the end of the financial year, including the costs of vaccination.

It will also be in addition to £8.8 million of so-called brokerage which NHS Highland is to receive to help balance its books for the year as part of measures to address long-standing financial problems.

This does not take account of further so far unfunded costs of £20.3 million for the transformation of adult social care, savings called for but not made and some remobilisation costs.

The health board’s director of finance, David Gardner, said: “We have already had about £39 million in a number of tranches. We are suggesting to government that we need a further £34 million that covers our expenditure, savings and social care.”

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