Local MSP Maree Todd, SNP, has welcomed the 9% pay rise to 567 staff in NHS Orkney.

Maree Todd said:

This is an important SNP Government investment in the 567 NHS staff who care for folk throughout the islands day in day out.

“Currently, Advanced Nurse Practitioners in Scotland are getting paid £430 more a year than those in England, and if they secured a job with a band 7 salary last year, they’d see their salary grow by over £8,800 over the next three years.

“Not only is the SNP Government bringing NHS Scotland staffing to historically high levels – we are making sure that our healthcare professionals are getting the best pay deal in the whole of the UK and making our NHS a more attractive place to work.

 “We will always stand up for what’s best for Orkney’s health services and the hard-working staff who go to incredible efforts on our behalf.”

Across Scotland the 9% pay rise goes to 148,000 NHS Scotland staff.

Related story: NHS Pay Offer Goes Out For Consultation