NHS Grampian to receive £67.5 million loan from Scottish Government

NHS Grampian is to receive a loan of £67.5 million from the Scottish Government to deal with an overspend in 2024/25, the health board has announced.

The funds come on top of an existing loan from the Scottish Government for 2023/24, and will bring the total loaned to the health board to £92.2 million.

In a statement NHS Grampian said there were “many factors” contributing to its financial position, including increased staff costs, increased running costs, the growing cost of providing healthcare, and a rise in the number of over-65s and those aged 0-17.

We are continuing to work with each health board to recover and reform services and address the financial challenge this year and beyond

The board said the overspend came despite “significant economies and efficiencies” that resulted in £46.2 million of savings being delivered to February 2025.

It is understood the health board will receive increased investment of £170.4 million from 2024-25, including additional funding for prior-year pay deals and support for frontline services.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “We are providing over £14.2 billion for NHS Boards in 2024-25 to support services, a real-terms increase of almost 3%.

“Despite our significant investment, the financial climate remains extremely challenging.

“The UK Government’s spring statement set out health consequentials of £237 million – less than the £470m in-year health funding received for 2023-24 and less than is needed given the pressures faced.

“In this context, we are continuing to work with each health board to recover and reform services and address the financial challenge this year and beyond.”