Tue, 01/09/2015 - 16:39

Commenting upon statistics published today that show an increase in the number of consultant vacancies in Scotland, Prof Derek Bell, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said:

“The significant increase in the number of vacant posts is extremely worrying and the number of posts remaining vacant for six months or longer is an additional cause for concern.

“We need to look again at how we recruit and retain our medical workforce at all stages of their careers to address the gaps identified today and ensure we continue to deliver the best possible patient care.

“While the increase in the number of consultants in post in the past year is encouraging, the high number of vacancies coupled with the number of junior doctors leaving the country to pursue a career elsewhere is already creating real pressure on those working in the NHS.  This does not bode well for the future.

“The College, the Scottish Government and other allied organisations need to work together to address these issues as a matter of priority and ensure that we deliver safe and sustainable staffing levels across the NHS now and in the future.”

ENDS

Contact: Lisa Rooke, RCPE - 0131 247 3688 / 07717 895628 / l.rooke@rcpe.ac.uk

Notes to Editors

1. The ISD Scotland figures reported:

  • At 30 June 2015, 8.3% (447.5 WTE) of consultant posts were vacant, an increase from the rate of 6.9% (346.7) at June 2014 and an increase from 2.8% (127.9) in June 2011.
  • Of these, 188.0 WTE were vacant for more than six months, an increase of 95.1 WTE on June 2014.
  • The number of consultants in post increased by 5.4% (252.7 WTE) to 4,943.0 WTE between June 2014 and June 2015.

2. The report is available here: http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Workforce/Publications/index.asp#1341