An overspend in GP prescribing of £1.6m in just two months has prompted an investigation by NHS Lothian into ways of cutting costs.
GP prescribing represents the single largest variance in NHS Lothian’s finances during April and May, the first two months of the current financial year.
Figures from NHS Lothian show that the health board has already overspent by £4.2m across all services during 2015/16.
NHS Lothian director of finance Susan Goldsmith said: ‘The position in GP prescribing is the single largest adverse variance so far this year. In recognition of this significant pressure, a detailed report on cost pressures and mitigating actions will be presented to the finance and resource committee.’
