Cunninghame South MSP Ruth Maguire has welcomed an announcement by the Scottish Government of £300,000 funding for NHS Ayrshire and Arran in the Hospital at Home service.

Hospital at Home offers a safe alternative to admission to an acute hospital, with almost 15,000 older patients using the service across Scotland in 2023/24.

This funding, which is part of £3.6 million being invested across Scotland, will help support the continuation and development of existing programmes which have helped ease pressure on frontline acute services.

SNP MSP Ms Maguire said: "The SNP has made clear that improving public services is a key priority for this government and this funding for Hospital at Home will allow more people to receive acute treatment in an environment that they feel comfortable and familiar with.

"This targeted investment will ensure that people in Ayrshire will have greater access to this service which evidence shows gives older people greater independence during their recovery and cuts the risk of requiring hospital or care home stays for up to six months after an acute illness.

"This is one of a range of measures the Scottish Government has put in place to tackle delayed discharge numbers and free up beds within our hospitals.

"I am pleased to see the Scottish Government continuing to invest in our public services – against the backdrop of further cuts from Westminster."