Scottish Government to inject £1.1bn into 'financially challenged' NHS Ayrshire and Arran

The Scottish Government will inject £1.1bn into NHS Ayrshire and Arran, as the health board continues to suffer financial difficulties.

The move is an increase of £88.2m on the year prior, with the health board being moved to stage four of the NHS Scotland Support and Intervention Framework.

The Holyrood-led framework is an “evidence-based approach to monitoring performance and managing risk across the NHS”.

If a health board is placed into stage four, it means that tailored support is not producing the required improvements within that specific area, with senior-level external support required.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran has been in financial turmoil over the last few years, with the Scottish Government giving the health board a last-minute loan to cover a deficit of more than £50m in 2024.

In August, chief executive Claire Burden stepped down to pursue further academic study while the health board faced a £33m black hole.

Audit Scotland published a report in November regarding the health board’s finances, which concluded that “the severity of the financial challenge facing NHS Ayrshire and Arran is unprecedented”.

Health secretary Neil Gray said: “Getting finances back on track is essential for patients and staff alike – it means NHS Ayrshire and Arran can plan effectively for the future and continue investing in the services local people rely on.

“The 2026-27 draft Scottish Budget provides record funding for health boards, including a real terms uplift of 1.8%. NHS Ayrshire and Arran will receive nearly £1.1bn in 2026-27, which equates to increased investment of £88.2m since 2025-26.

“Escalation to stage four brings enhanced scrutiny and dedicated support from the Scottish Government. I have confidence in interim chief executive Gordon James and his leadership team, and we will work closely with them over the coming months to return the health board to a sustainable financial footing.”