THE Scottish government faces an NHS “implementation gap,” with promises going unmet despite funding and staffing boosts, Audit Scotland have warned.

In its latest report, the public-sector watchdog noted that “despite more money (plus £3 billion since 2019) and more staff (plus 20,000 since 2019), NHS Scotland’s performance has not improved in line with commitments made by the Scottish government.”

Auditor-general Stephen Boyle added: “There is still a persistent implementation gap between policy ambitions dating back over a decade and delivery on the ground.

“This time round, it’s vital that the Scottish government delivers on its reform plans.”

Scottish Labour’s Dame Jackie Baillie commented: “The SNP have no meaningful plan, no strategy, and no ideas to save our NHS.

“If they knew how to turn things around, they would have done it by now.”

Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray responded: “We are making good progress transforming Scotland’s health services.

“Health is at the heart of our Budget which provides record funding of £21.7bn.

“I am pleased Audit Scotland has acknowledged our progress on reform and we will give full consideration to its recommendations.”