‘Quality of life’ best tool in recruiting medics to north

A north health board has surveyed its consultants to help them recruit the next generation of senior medics.

NHS Highland has long had a problem recruiting and retaining staff, particularly in some of its more remote and rural areas.

Ninety-four consultants – about one-third of the area total – from a range of specialities responded to the survey, more than twothirds of whom were in their first consultant post.

Asked what attracted them to working for NHS Highland, 88.9% said itwas “definitely” or “probably” a lifestyle choice. Threequarters said it was a matter of timing – they were looking for a consultant post and one came up in Highland – and 56.3% cited the board’s clinical reputation.

Other reasons included that they had direct contact with a clinician at NHS Highland (68.6%), had previous positive experience of NHS Highland (57.5%), and heard that it was a good place to work (56.3%).

Asked to comment on the lifestyle, quality of life and attractions that influenced their decision to work for NHS Highland, responses included: “Good schools; the largest and probably the best cultural centre in Scotland – Eden Court”; “Living in a very beautiful part of the country. Good place to bring up children” and “Bigger promotion of area as a great place to stay, bring up family, outdoor pursuits. Inverness is a great city”.

Jackie Sutherland, NHS Highland’s medical staffing manager, said: “We have been reviewing how we recruit to senior positions and the results of this survey will be extremely useful. At the end of June we had 17 consultant vacancies. It would seem from this survey that highlighting the fantastic lifestyle in the Highlands might be a worthwhile tactic.”

“Lifestyle in the Highlands might be a worthwhile tactic”