News / Scott renews his concern over NHS funding
NHS Shetland has insisted that its primary focus is on recruiting permanent staff after local MSP Tavish Scott expressed concern over its increased spend on temporary workers.
The Liberal Democrat criticised figures released by Audit Scotland in October that revealed the local health board spent 24 per cent more on temporary medical staff last year than in 2013/14.
The report also states that there has been an 84 per cent increase on recruiting agency nursing staff – something that Scott said is having a “big impact” on the NHS Shetland budget.
He blames this on the current Scottish government for “underfunding NHS Shetland to the tune of nearly £900,000” – a figure disputed by the health board.
“Permanent appointments will not only be better value for money but will contribute to an improved standard of care,” Scott said.
“My recent health survey which 900 residents responded to, showed that while most residents never have to wait long for an appointment, many expressed dissatisfaction that they were often unable to see their preferred doctor.
“Just this week a constituent told me that she would wait until January to see her GP at the Lerwick Health Centre.”
Scott also urged the Scottish government to do what it can to bolster the amount of GPs working in the country.
“We need to see urgent action to help address the recruitment crisis and new resources to support primary care in Scotland,” he continued.
“GPs are the first point of contact in our health service for nearly every Scot, and every person has the right to quick and quality treatment. I was very impressed by a recent visit to the Scalloway Health Centre. I listened carefully to the views of medical staff and GPs.
“Audit Scotland also indicate the financial pressure NHS boards are under. That includes Shetland and I have every sympathy for them. So it will be important that when the Scottish Government decide its budget before Christmas, they make a serious investment in primary care that so many people depend on.
In a short statement, NHS Shetland responded saying it was working with permanent staff was its key priority.
“NHS Shetland recognise the importance of recruiting permanent staff and makes every effort to do so,” a spokeswoman said.
“We only use agency and locum staff where essential to maintain clinical services.”
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