Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson, has “warmly welcomed” millions in funding from the UK Government for innovative tech projects to help veterans’ healthcare.
The UK Government have confirmed twenty-two projects across the UK have been successful in receiving funding through the ‘Office for Veterans’ Affairs' (OVA) Health Innovation Fund’, to the tune of £5 million.
In Lanarkshire, the UK Government is providing money for a joint bid with the St John and Red Cross Defence Medical Welfare Service, NHS Lanarkshire and the University of the West of Scotland.
The group will look at how welfare support and technology can benefit isolated veterans in the Lanarkshire, with eventual application across the UK.
Mr Simpson says that this collaboration is evidence that the UK Government is committed to tackling the physical and mental health challenges veterans in Lanarkshire face.
He added that the funding from the UK Government will also help to harness and advance the best of British science and research.
Finally, Mr Simpson added that investment like this is just another example of residents in Lanarkshire benefitting from being part of the United Kingdom.
MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson said: “It’s great that the UK Government have provided funding to support veterans in Lanarkshire.
“This ongoing project will not only help isolated veterans in our community but also ensure Lanarkshire develops into a base for the very best scientists and researchers in the UK.
“Working with the St John and Red Cross Defence Medical Welfare Service, NHS Lanarkshire and the University of the West of Scotland, I’m confident this funding will help tackle the physical and mental health challenges veterans face.
“This is further evidence of Rishi Sunak’s UK Government continuing to deliver for Lanarkshire and the whole of Scotland.”
