John Swinney expected to cut and merge health boards in major realignment of NHS

The number of health boards in Scotland is to be significantly cut, John Swinney is expected to announce.

Delivering his Programme for Government in Holyrood this afternoon, the first minister is expected to set out changes to the current structure of NHS territorial boards.

Reports suggest this could see the current 14 boards merged, with just two covering all of mainland Scotland while different plans will be in place for island health boards.

The changes would be part of the wider public service reform agenda, which is expected to result in a cull in the number of public sector bodies more broadly.

This aim is to make public services more affordable and efficient, though concerns have been expressed about job losses and ensuring services have the resources to deliver.

Swinney will address parliament just after 3pm to set out his priorities for the year ahead.

He will detail the raft of legislation ministers are likely to bring forward over the next 12 months, as well as non-legislative changes.

He said: “My government is focused on making tangible improvements to people's lives. We will repay the trust of the people of Scotland by relentlessly delivering for them.

"That means building a stronger economy to eradicate child poverty and create jobs, attract investment, raise living standards and put more money into the pockets of working families…

“We will also focus on prevention, drive public sector reform where it is needed and ensure investment is directed towards frontline services to improve outcomes for people and communities.”

Scottish Labour has previously backed a reduction in the number of health boards, arguing it would mean more money for frontline services. Ministers had been resistant to the idea.