NHS Highland is already predicted to need another £19 million bail-out – just two months into the new financial year.
The north service was one of four health boards expected to require a total of £70.9 million “brokerage” to balance the books at the end of 2018/19.
It would be a rise on the £50.7 million of extra cash injected by the Scottish Government last year, which included £15 million for NHS Highland.
The details were unveiled as part of a new Scottish Government initiative to publish the financial position of all health boards on a monthly basis.
Across Scotland, the NHS was already £34.6 million over budget in the first two months of the financial year, and was predicted to be £131.5 million in the red by the end, including £21.4 million at Highland and £3 million at NHS Shetland.
NHS Grampian, NHS Orkney and NHS Western Isles were all being forecast to have a balanced budget.
New Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, who succeeded Shona Robison this week, said: “Scotland’s health service is receiving record funding that is providing historically high numbers of doctors, nurses and dentists, plus a proposed pay deal for the majority of staff that is the highest in the UK.
“There is rising demand on our NHS, with increased expectations and an aging population, so it is crucial we have a transparent and open approach to finances.
“I expect all health boards to continue to develop their plans and work towards delivering a balanced financial position over the course of the remaining financial year, while ensuring they provide safe and effective care and deliver best value for money.”
NHS Highland. which has a budget of £604million, declined to comment.
Scottish Labour’s health spokesman Anas Sarwar said: “We are only two months into the financial year and Scotland’s health boards are already £34 million in the red – with a projected funding gap of £131 million for the year.
“As the NHS approaches its 70th birthday it is clearer than ever that the service needs better support.”
