Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
NHS Tayside paid £300,000 to staff on suspension
NHS Tayside paid nearly £300,000 last year alone to staff on suspension.
A Conservative MSP said the figure will “resonate” with people in light of the health board’s current financial climate.
In total, £297,292 was paid out to suspended staff during the financial year 2017/18.
NHS Tayside admitted it did not have similar information for the preceding years.
A total of 32 staff were placed on “gardening leave” during that time, however the health board would not disclose why the staff were suspended as it “may lead to identification” of people, which would “breach data protection”.
Of the 32, “fewer than five” were dismissed and “no further action” was taken against seven.
None of the dismissed staff received a severance package.
Bill Bowman blasted the numbers, saying the amount appears “hefty” for one single year.
The North East region MSP said: “Large public and private institutions usually have an obligation to pay employees while they are suspended, regardless of culpability. NHS Tayside is no exception. But £300,000 is a hefty sum for one year alone.”
However, NHS Tayside has said it is only following the proper procedures adhered to by all health boards.
George Doherty, director of human resources and organisational development, said: “We are unable to comment on matters relating to any individual member of staff. The decision to suspend a member of staff may be taken for a range of reasons.”