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.”
Denne historien er fra October 04, 2023-utgaven av Daily Record.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 04, 2023-utgaven av Daily Record.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Season has been HILL a slow burner but now we're fired up for the top six
Gers win was long time coming for Marley
Getting a here game is á tall order
Giant Merino - I'm one of Arsenal's little men
We should've had more time together
Husband savs treatment wait was 'ticking timebomb'
WAR & PAWS
Luna and Plusza rescued from heavy shelling
Drum might say..
Axed Oasis drummer Tony: Me &Gallaghers get on better now
Reign storm
Indigenous politician accuses King of genocide as royals visit Oz parliament
PENNE PINCHERS
Restaurant owners sickened’ as pair use handbag trick to dodge bill
News you had left us came up on my phone.I went cold
Nicola on shocking way she heard of tragic star's death
We work together but we are not friends... that's OK
Strictly's Nadiya opens up about split from Kai
No calm after storm
Chaos sees buses, trains and ferries cancelled while hillwalkers are condemned by rescuers