MSP’s warning over NHS escalation

SERIOUS concern has been expressed at the Scottish Government’s decision to escalate NHS Dumfries and Galloway to Stage Three of the NHS Scotland Support and Intervention Framework,

Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson has warned that

the significant financial instability within the health board, and their

£33.6 million deficit, with a requirement to find £29 million in savings, poses a direct threat to patient care and the sustainability of vital health services across the region.

He said: “This escalation is not just a bureaucratic measure—it has real and immediate consequences for patients.

“Constituents are already reporting delays in accessing care, reduced service availability, and uncertainty around the future of local hospitals and clinics. Staff are under immense pressure, and communities are rightly worried.”

Although he has welcomed the increased oversight from the Scottish Government, Mr Carson stressed that it must be matched with transparent planning, guarantees that essential services will not be cut, and meaningful engagement with frontline staff and local communities.

He also issued a strong call for an urgent review of the NRAC (NHS Resource Allocation Committee) funding formula, which determines how health funding is distributed across Scotland.

The MSP added: “The NRAC formula is clearly no longer fit for purpose. Rural health boards like NHS Dumfries and Galloway face unique challenges—geography, workforce shortages, and population health needs—that are not adequately reflected in the current funding model. Without reform, these boards will continue to struggle to deliver safe, sustainable care.

“I have repeated called into question whether the NRAC formula is fit for purpose. Almost 12 months ago I urged the Health Secretary to review the formula and at that time I was given a commitment that a review work was underway. Sadly we are still waiting to see the outcomes of that review.”

Mr Carson has written to the Scottish Government to publish the full financial recovery plan for NHS Dumfries and Galloway as soon as practicably possible and in the meantime given assurances that patient care will be protected throughout the process.

He also wants them to provide clarity on how services will be maintained and improved, and commit to providing a timetable for reviewing and reforming the NRAC formula to ensure fair funding for rural communities.