Growing demand and increasing costs have worsened financial pressures in NHS Scotland that could put its long-term affordability at risk, the national watchdog has warned.
Concerns over the lack of career progression for nurses have prompted the government to explore alternatives, including a new national contract and pay scale separate from other NHS staff.
The unbudgeted costs from ongoing strikes and rising prices will force care leaders to cut services without additional government support, the NHS Confederation has said.
