Nicola Sturgeon warns NHS funding is ‘inevitable’

Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon has warned on Sunday the need for more funding for the NHS is “inevitable” as the coronavirus outbreak is spreading.

Speaking on Sky News’ Sophy Ridge On Sunday, Sturgeon reassured Scots that Scotland is prepared for a further outbreak.

The Scottish first minister told Ridge, “I think it’s pretty much inevitable that we will need additional resources for our National Health Service, although we are right now working within the resources that are available to the health service.

“Scotland has just passed its budget for the year ahead which in itself delivers record funding for the National Health Service.

“But the pressures that are likely to come from coronavirus in the weeks ahead will mean we need to see additional resources, so I very much hope the Budget has positive things to say about that.”

Sturgeon further warned on Sunday morning to Sky News that the government are preparing for up to 100,000 deaths across the UK.

On Sunday afternoon the Department of Health and Social Care said, “as of 9am 8 March 2020, a total of 23,513 people have been tested, 23,240 negative and now 273 positive.

“Two patients who tested positive for COVID-19 have died.”

This is the largest rise with just 24 hours, as on Saturday there was 206 people confirmed infected with the virus.

This morning it was announced that three more were diagnosed in Northern Ireland with three more confirmed cases in Wales.