A message for all NHS and Health workers in East Kilbride

Responsibility for health in Scotland has allowed us to show what can be achieved with the full powers of a Yes vote. We've taken a very different approach to health and social care from that taken by Westminster.

Since 1999, Scottish governments have made steady improvements to Scotland's health and the quality of healthcare, while protecting the NHS as a free public service, consistent with the values of the NHS and the priorities of the people in Scotland.

The Scottish Parliament has introduced a smoking ban in public places, reduced waiting times, and made significant reductions in premature deaths from cancer, heart disease and stroke.

In delivering and protecting free personal care we have demonstrated that Scotland can provide support for older people in a way that looks after them, maintains their dignity and respects the contribution they have made to society.

However, with 80% of the UK austerity cuts still to come, experts reckon NHS spend could fall to 6% of GDP by 2021 - the lowest level since 2003.

Through the Barnett Formula, changes in the Scottish Budget are tied to changes in the budget set for England by the UK Government. Figure 1 below shows previous and planned changes in NHS spend for England.

Graph courtesy of The Kings Fund

Figure 2 shows the dramatic decline this will produce on NHS spending as a % of GDP. Down from a peak of 8% of the UK economy in 2000 to 2002, to just 6% in less than 10 years time.

Graph courtesy of The Kings Fund

So, although control of the Scottish NHS is devolved, decisions taken in Westminster will have a huge influence over services in Scotland.

Also, without control over Scotland's budget and with further cuts from Westminster we won't be able to address the inequalities which are the root causes of many of our country's health problems.

The No campaign wants to see Westminster keep control of Scotland's purse-strings. This is the real threat to Scotland's NHS.

If you work in the NHS or have a health background, and are passionate about a health service that is free at the point of need - join YES NHS here.  Whether you're a non-medical NHS worker, a medical student, a GP or a nurse, get involved in the new group.

Based on an article by Yes Scotland