Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson has welcomed new research showing the number of specialist cancer staff is on the rise.

And he said it was a direct result of Scottish Government investment in our NHS.

There has been a rise in the number of oncologists, cancer clinical nurse specialists and radiography staff since the SNP came to power, despite year-on-year cuts to Scotland’s budget imposed by Westminster.

These include the number of oncologists increasing from 165 to 200 – up 21 per cent, the number of cancer clinical nurse specialists increasing by 170 – up 40 per cent and the number of radiography staff increasing from 1,837 to 2,175.7 – up 18.5 per cent.

In addition, £22million is being invested in the Beatson West of Scotland to provide more world-class treatment and meet the rising demand for radiotherapy treatment over the next decade.

These figures follow an announcement last week that the Scottish Government is investing an additional £5million in patient care.

Commenting on the figures, Mr Gibson said: “The rise in specialist cancer staff in recent years is extremely encouraging and highlights the Scottish Government’s commitment to our health service, even in the most challenging of financial circumstances.

“With devolution, we have been able to protect and strengthen our NHS – but as the Westminster Government continues to break up the health service south of the border and privatise it, our own NHS is being put at risk.

“Every £100 cut to the NHS budget south of the border has a knock-on impact of a £10 cut to the Scottish budget.

“A Yes vote is Scotland’s one opportunity to put a stop NHS privatisation and cuts south of the border damaging our NHS. With a Yes vote next month, we can ensure the NHS is able to provide world class healthcare that is free at the point of need.”