NHS facing an ‘uncertain winter’

VACANCy rates across the NHs are rising, prompting warnings of an ‘uncertain winter’ for patients and staff.

Figures released yesterday show that vacancy rates among nurses, midwives and consultants all rose in the past year.

While the number of staff working in the health service is growing, there is also a rise in longterm vacancies.

the vacancy rate among nurses and midwives means 2,634.5 whole-time equivalent posts were unfilled in september, with 823.8 lying empty for three months or more.

that compares to 500 nursing and midwifery posts that had been vacant for three months in september 2015 – an increase of 64.8 per cent.

there has also been an increase in the vacancy rate among consultants, from 6.4 per cent in september 2015 to 7 per cent in september this year. Of the current vacancies, 47 per cent have been vacant for at least six months.

Waiting times targets at A&e departments across scotland also continue to be missed. in October, 93.9 per cent of patients were seen and admitted, transferred or discharged within fours, compared to the target of 98 per cent.

the royal College of Nursing (rCN) warned the number of vacancies left the NHs facing an ‘uncertain winter for staff and patients’.

rCN scotland director theresa Fyffe said: ‘the rCN has continually raised concerns and it is important to keep speaking up on behalf of all nursing staff. their efforts are being seriously undermined by growing gaps in the workforce.’

scottish tory health spokesman Donald Cameron said: ‘the long-term trend is extremely stark here. Vacancies are on the rise and it is much more difficult for the NHs to fill posts.

‘that falls on the sNp’s head – its lack of forward planning is now hampering those staff who remain in their efforts to do their job. it also jeopardises patient safety and means taxpayers are receiving a poorer service.’

Health secretary shona robison said: ‘Under this government, NHs staff numbers have risen to record highs, with more consultants, nurses and midwives now delivering care for the people of scotland. there are now 11,500 more staff working in our NHs, with nearly 1,000 of these recruited in the last year.’