LABOUR HYPOCRISY AS THEY SUPPORT BONUSES FOR CONSULTANTS

LABOUR HYPOCRISY AS THEY SUPPORT BONUSES FOR CONSULTANTS

SNP MPs WILL CHAMPION FAIR HEALTH SPENDING

Commenting on the report in today's Herald newspaper which reveals that
the Labour Health Secretary Andy Burnham has rejected calls by the Scottish
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon for a lucrative bonus scheme for hospital
consultants to be scrapped, the SNP MSP for the Lothians, Dr Ian McKee,
said the response exposed Labour's hypocrisy about bonuses and those
savings which were needed in public spending.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon had called for a freeze on distinction
awards for top hospital consultants across the UK and written to all the
health secretaries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland arguing for a
freeze and a UK-wide review of the awards system.

Commenting Dr McKee, a former GP said:

"This is astonishing hypocrisy from Labour, and leaves their Scottish
health spokesperson Jackie Baillie red faced.

"Whilst it is important to recognise and reward the high level of talent
that we have in our health service, the SNP believes we must do so in a
fair and cost effective way - particularly in the current financial
climate.

"That the Labour party does not even accept a review of this scheme is
astonishing and reveals their hypocrisy when it comes to public spending
and making the savings that need to be made.

"The Scottish Government has been constructive in attempting to open
negotiations with the UK Department of Health but it appears the Labour
party would rather hide from this issue. Andy Burnham has left Jackie
Baillie hanging out to dry on this issue by rejecting change.

"In the last few days of this election campaign, Labour's response is
revealing and shows a party out of touch with public opinion. With this
level of disarray north and south of the Border, no wonder Labour's
campaign is collapsing."