SNP hands £500k to top finance firm to ‘consult’ on slashing health boards

The Scottish Government has hired Deloitte for more than £500,000 to help plan a major restructuring of Scotland’s NHS, despite criticism that the case for the changes has not been clearly established. First Minister John Swinney proposes replacing the 11 mainland health boards with two larger bodies, saying this could reduce bureaucracy and free up capacity for treatment.

The contract is worth £400,140 plus VAT and covers work on a draft implementation action plan during 2026-27. Separate arrangements are expected for Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles. The BMA warns larger services could mean longer journeys and worsen health inequalities, while Holyrood’s Health Committee says the Government has provided scant detail and no clear evidence or cost assessment; ministers say Deloitte will help establish the rationale for change.