Figures published today (Tuesday) show an overall increase in the past year in the number of staff employed by the NHS is Scotland.
The increase in the past 12 months represents a 0.4 per cent rise and a leap of nearly 4% since 2006, when Labour were in power.
The increase is in spite of the greatest change being the number of administrative posts, which have reduced by 2.2% in the past year.
Longer term comparisons from September 2006 to September 2012 show there has been an overall 1.0% increase in qualified nurses and midwives in the NHS in Scotland.
Bob Doris MSP, Deputy Convener of the Health and Sport Committee, said:
"The unwavering commitment to protect vital frontline services is a cornerstone of the SNP Government – a fact backed up by the rise in the number of qualified nurses and midwives, consultants, psychologists and counsellors.
"Ultimately, the only way for all of Scotland’s NHS to be protected in the long-term is for all of the economic and social policy decisions to be made here in Scotland, and for Scotland to be in charge of our own resources with an independent Parliament.
"That is why Scotland needs the powers of a normal, independent country - so that we can be equally well-governed in all areas, including health, instead of being on the receiving end of damaging decisions taken at Westminster. This can only be achieved by a Yes vote in the referendum in 2014."
The stats are published by ISD Scotland: http://www.isdscotland.org/
