Scottish Ambulance Service to recruit 300 new paramedics

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Image captionThe ambulance service was given a funding increase of 1.7% in the draft budget

The Scottish Ambulance Service has said it will recruit about 300 paramedics over the next five years with new funds allocated from the budget.

The service saw a total increase in funding of £11.4m in the 2016-17 draft budget announced earlier this month.

Some of the funds will go towards additional clinical advisers and control room staff.

SAS chief executive Pauline Howie said ambulance crews were "busier than ever".

The draft budget announced by Finance Secretary John Swinney included an increase of 1.7% in funding for the ambulance service, equating to £3.6m.

The service will also receive £5m on a recurring basis to support its "Towards 2020" strategy, and £2.8m towards its baseline.

Ms Howie said the "Towards 2020" strategy was aimed at "ensuring that every patient receives the most appropriate care, whether at home or in the hospital".

Scottish government health secretary Shona Robison added: "We value the dedication of our ambulance workers extremely highly.

"They provide a first class service, often under challenging and physically demanding circumstances, and it is important we ensure they are equipped with the appropriate skills, training and clinical support to be able to deliver even more care in the community."