Two Scottish health boards needed large loans to break even in last financial year

Two health boards required substantial loans from the Scottish Government to balance their books in the last financial year, new figures reveal.

Audit Scotland said that NHS Grampian and NHS Ayrshire & Arran both secured multimillion-pound loans.

NHS Grampian obtained £65.2 million in 2024-25 and is forecasting a £68 million overspend in 2025-26.

In May, the health board was elevated to stage four of NHS Scotland's support and intervention framework amid concerns regarding financial sustainability, leadership and governance, and service performance.

Stephen Boyle, Auditor General for Scotland, stated NHS Grampian will require a "significant redesign" of its health and social care system.

He stated: "These two health boards are not alone in finding it difficult to achieve financial bal