SNP activists will engage in a day of action on Saturday centred around the NHS as the First Minister promised improvements.
The health service has been struggling under the weight of long waiting times and delayed discharge in recent years, with opposition parties criticising their handling of the situation.
Last month, John Swinney laid out his plans for the NHS – including increasing the number of procedures by 150,000, better funding for primary care, and the creation of an app – putting himself at the forefront of the recovery.
Party activists will hit the streets on Saturday to tout the party’s plans with health likely to be one of the key – and for the SNP potentially the most difficult – battlegrounds ahead of next year’s election.
The First Minister said: “Our NHS is our most cherished national resource – and the SNP is committed to ensuring a thriving NHS, publicly owned and free at the point of use. For us, that is non-negotiable.
“But while many people receive outstanding care, I know that too many people have waited too long to receive the care they need. I intend to change that.
“That is why I am driving forward an action plan to renew our NHS – making it easier for people to get appointments with their GPs and delivering a major increase in acute capacity, with an additional 150,000 appointments and procedures.
“Today, the SNP is taking this message of progress to doorsteps in every community in Scotland. We know that our health service faces challenges, but we are the only party with a plan to drive forward the improvements patients deserve.
“I have listened to people’s concerns and I am taking action – that is what you get with a John Swinney government.”
