Commenting as MSPs welcomed the Audit Committee report into Health spending, which includes welcoming a salary freeze for senior NHS employees, Liberal Democrat Finance spokesperson Jeremy Purvis said:

“While I welcome moves from Health Boards towards becoming more efficient, the Scottish Government also has a role to play.

“The Health Secretary is responsible for awarding £30 million of bonuses to the most highly paid personnel in the NHS – consultants.

“The payment of these bonuses is a totally devolved issue. There should be no payouts next year. People will find it an odd priority for the SNP to pay out £30 million in bonuses to those who are already the highest paid, while nurses are losing their jobs.”