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NHS is short of up to 1000 senior docs & stressed staff are unable to deliver care effectively says union boss

- MARCELLO MEGA

THE country's crumbling health service is short of 1000 senior consultants, according to the boss of the main doctors' union.

The shortages were highlighted by the BMA's Scottish chairman, Dr Alan Robertson, who believes Brexit, pay and deteriorating working conditions are to blame.

He revealed the latest workforce statistics showed unfilled consultant posts the most senior doctors who diagnose and treat serious illnesses - were at their highest level since the pandemic, rising from 446 to 511 in the last quarter.

But he believes the real figure is double that amount because many vacancies are not yet included in the figures.

Dr Robertson said: "Consultants are exhausted. They are working flat out, doing absolutely everything they can to cope with rising demand that is spinning rapidly out of control.

"We are stretched to our very limit and staff shortages are affecting the ability of doctors to deliver the high-quality patient care we strive for.

"Serious steps must be taken in Scotland to make working as a doctor an appealing career choice, and both the Scottish Government and employers need to show that staff are valued."

Referring to his belief that the true number of positions is even higher, Dr Robertson said: "BMA Scotland research suggests that there are substantial vacancies not included in the official figures.

"And, as a result, the real figure is likely to be almost double the official figure. It is an undeniable fact that

CLAIMS

Dr Robertson the workforce is in crisis – anyone who tries to tell you different is simply lying to themselves.”