Christina McKelvie MSP, the SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, has slammed the Tory Government for putting increased pressure on the NHS after new research has revealed more than a quarter of Scots have sought NHS treatment due to the impact of the cost of living crisis on their health.

The damning report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation said the cost of living crisis had deepened a “cycle of health inequality” that was "failing our people and turning up the pressure on the NHS.”

With food prices continuing to soar and rapidly inflating energy bills making it difficult for people to keep warm, more people in South Lanarkshire are having to seek out either physical or acute mental health treatment for conditions.

Commenting, Christina McKelvie MSP said:

“This corrupt Tory Government is failing the people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse; failing to deliver affordable food; failing to tackle rising energy costs and now failing them when it comes to their health. We deserve better.

“Whether it’s from neglect or threat of privatisation, it’s no secret that our NHS is not safe in the hands of the Tories in Westminster, and this pressure should be seen as a foreshadowing of what’s to come under their control.

“With the Tories and Labour providing no alternative to the brutal impact of Westminster control, the SNP Government is digging deep with what few powers it has to mitigate the Tories’ cruel cuts and claw backs, such as by tripling the Fuel Insecurity Fund, and rolling out the game changing Scottish Child Payment.

It's clear that only in an independent Scotland can we do more than just mitigate and build a robust healthcare system that looks after everyone.”