Central Scotland SNP MSP Christina McKelvie has welcomed confirmation that NHS Lanarkshire will receive almost £570,000 of new funding to employ up to 66 new hospital cleaners as a boost both in the drive to stamp out hospital infections and for local employment prospects.
The new money was announced by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, Nicola Sturgeon, in her speech to SNP Spring Conference. Over £5m has been released to employ 600 new cleaners across NHS Scotland.
Ms McKelvie commented:
“This is a double dose of good news for Lanarkshire. The recruitment of around 66 new cleaners will not only greatly benefit NHS Lanarkshire patients, but also provide a boost for the area’s job market during this time of rising unemployment.
“NHS Lanarkshire has already made progress in reducing hospital superbugs under the tough regime put in place by the SNP Government and the employment of 66 new cleaning staff will help to continue the drive to stamp out infections. Patients will also be reassured to know that these 66 cleaners will be working in the NHS, for the NHS, employed by the NHS, and not for any private contractor.
“This is an example of more practical action for real improvement from a government that is on Scotland’s side.”