Nursing and midwifery vacancies still far too high

Responding to new NHS Scotland workforce statistics showing that there are 3,102 nursing and midwifery vacancies as at the quarter ending June 2024, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader and health spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said:  

“Nursing and midwifery vacancies are still far too high. The roots of the problem lie in Nicola Sturgeon cutting training places and claiming that was ‘sensible.’

“Staff are beyond breaking point- they are utterly exhausted and many feel they have no other option but to leave the profession entirely.

“If we are to avoid another winter crisis in our NHS, ministers need to plug the huge gaps in the workforce. Scottish Liberal Democrats would completely overhaul the SNP’s failed NHS Recovery Plan to prioritise the recruitment and retention of staff. The SNP also need to reverse their opposition to a Burnout Prevention Strategy for staff, a plan which my party has consistently called for."