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Swinney Cuts Scotland NHS Boards from 14 to 2

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 10:11 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

First Minister John Swinney announced cutting Scotland’s NHS from 14 health boards to two.
The reform will create two Strategic Health Boards for western and eastern mainland Scotland.
Three island health boards will remain under separate arrangements.
BMA Scotland chair Dr Nora Murray-Cavanagh warned the cuts are costly, time-consuming, and lack patient-benefit evidence.
Health Secretary Angela Constance said she supports the reforms and will consult unions and NHS boards.

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Story summary

First Minister John Swinney announced cutting Scotland’s NHS from 14 health boards to two.
The reform will create two Strategic Health Boards for western and eastern mainland Scotland.
Three island health boards will remain under separate arrangements.
BMA Scotland chair Dr Nora Murray-Cavanagh warned the cuts are costly, time-consuming, and lack patient-benefit evidence.
Health Secretary Angela Constance said she supports the reforms and will consult unions and NHS boards.