NHS Tayside bosses can expect their own nightmare before Christmas on Thursday .
That’s when NHS Tayside chiefs will be grilled by MSPs about the parlous state of the health board’s finances.
For years, NHS Tayside has overspent its budget and has required bailouts from the Scottish Government.
This year, its deficit could even reach an unprecedented £18.6 million if it fails to make the £58 million of necessary savings.
The health board itself has already said it plans to reform services over the next five years but it is clear change is not happening fast enough.
The Scottish Government has always pledged to maintain NHS funding but the harsh truth is that — at best — is only enough to keep things at a standstill.
With an ageing population and rising costs, it’s a bleak picture
Despite this, the standard of care at NHS Tayside is beyond reproach.
This year alone staff at Ninewells delivered my son and saved my dad’s life. Like many in Tayside and Fife, I’m indebted to staff in a way I’ll never be able to repay.
But it’s inevitable that the deepening cuts will eventually impact on the services patients receive.
The problem is, of course, not confined to Tayside. Waiting times targets have been repeatedly missed, while cancer victims have to wait longer for treatment in Scotland than those in England.
All political parties in Scotland pay lip service to protecting the NHS but it’s time to accept it needs nurture, not protection if it is to continue being the health service we want it to be.
NHS Tayside’s bosses will have to spell out clearly on Thursday how they hope to turn the ship around — but the Scottish Government also needs to grasp the nettle, and soon.
Dark clouds have been gathering over the NHS for years.
Dundee East MSP Shona Robison was thrown a hospital pass when she was appointed health secretary but it’s time to see Holyrood provide some direction to our health boards.