MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse Christina McKelvie has welcomed a 4.5% pay increase for NHS medical and dental staff. This pay increase will be backdated to 1 April 2022 and is for all NHS Scotland medical and dental staff, general medical practitioners and general dental practitioners.

This comes following recommendations by the independent Doctors and Dentists Pay Review Body (DDRB) of an annual pay uplift of 4.5% for NHS medical and dental staff.  The Scottish Government has accepted this recommendation.

The Scottish Government, BMA Scotland and other relevant stakeholders all participated and provided evidence to the DDRB to allow them to make their independent recommendations.  

This year’s award builds on the 3% uplift that was recommended and applied by the Scottish Government in 2021.  This means staff have been awarded a 7.5% pay increase over the last two years.

Christina said:

“The NHS have faced huge challenges during the pandemic and staff have been working tirelessly to continue to protect those living across Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse. 

“Their hard work ensures that the people across South Lanarkshire continue to receive world class healthcare as we remobilise NHS services and tackle waiting times.

“This uplift shows the Scottish Governments commitment to medical and dental staff and the important contribution they make. This announcement means that senior medical staff in Scotland will continue to be the best paid in the UK, ensuring NHS Scotland is able to attract the medical and dental staff it needs to deliver for the future.”