Holyrood panel demands evidence for NHS board merger plan

A Scottish Parliament health committee has criticised the SNP Government’s plans to reduce Scotland’s NHS health boards from 14 to two, saying ministers have provided too little detail to justify such a major reform. The committee says the proposal lacks a clear evidence base, cost assessment and proper consultation, and is seeking greater transparency about its scope and likely effects on patients and staff.

The proposal was announced by First Minister John Swinney in September as part of efforts to reform public services and cut administrative costs. Government figures put NHS corporate-function spending at £1.1 billion in 2024-25, up £58 million; ministers say staff will not face compulsory redundancy, though retraining, redeployment or voluntary redundancy may be offered. The committee also warned that reform focused on structures could repeat problems seen with the abandoned National Care Service plan, which cost nearly £30 million.