HOSPITAL patients battling poverty in Glasgow have been helped to claim £23million in benefits over the past three years.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde referrals to money advice services have soared by 74% since 2015-16 with more than 5,000 referrals made last year.

The service helped patients access tax credits and benefits totalling £9.4m last year, an average of £1,865 per patient.

Jane Beresford, from NHSGGC’s Employment and Health team said: “It’s difficult enough being ill and having to make more trips to hospital for appointments.

“But when you are struggling financially too, the burden can be much harder to face. Our partners who provide money advice services are highly experienced and often manage to access benefits that people have no idea they are entitled to.”