Emergency departments at NHS Grampian and NHS Highland will receive more than £1million from the Scottish Government before winter.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday that health boards would share a multimillion-pound cash pot to help prepare for colder weather.
NHS Grampian will get almost £700,000 from the fund, while NHS Highland will get more than £450,000.
The £9million offered by Ms Sturgeon to health boards across the country is £1.7million less than last year.
Ms Sturgeon said: “A&E attendances last winter increased, yet emergency departments consistently improved their performance.
“This is testament to the hard work and dedication of our NHS staff and follows a three year, £50million unscheduled care fund which supported boards to make changes.
“The additional £9million for this year will ensure patients get the best treatment in the most appropriate place, easing pressure on our A&E departments and maximising patient flows within hospitals which face additional admission demands in winter.”
But opposition politicians criticised the fact the funding had reduced year-on-year.
Scottish Labour health spokesman Anas Sarwar said: “More resource for our overstretched NHS is always welcome, but the SNP government should explain why they are delivering less funding for this winter than last.”
Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary Donald Cameron added: “Any additional cash for A&E is welcome, particularly at the most difficult time of year.
“But the Scottish Government has thrown money at health problems before to no avail.
“Last year it put even more into casualty wards, and still they struggled to cope.”
