New figures reveal that Scotland’s nursing and midwifery workforce has lost more than 700,000 working days due to mental ill health since 2020, intensifying concerns over the strain on healthcare staff.
Data obtained by the Scottish Liberal Democrats through Freedom of Information requests shows that a staggering 762,975 days were lost across Scotland’s 14 territorial health boards during this period.
NHS Lanarkshire reported the highest number of lost days in 2023/24, totalling 24,342.
The figures follow a Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland survey earlier this year, which found that 91% of nurses felt financial pressures were negatively impacting their mental health.
Calls for Action to Address Staff Burnout
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton criticised the government for failing to address the crisis, attributing part of the problem to past cuts in nursing training places.
He stated: “Ever since Nicola Sturgeon reduced nursing training places and claimed that it was somehow ‘sensible,’ nursing staff have faced mounting pressures. These figures highlight the overwhelming burden many now feel.
“This is significant because when nurses are stressed and overworked, it compromises their ability to deliver the highest quality care to patients.
“The Health Secretary is exacerbating the situation by persisting with the flawed NHS Recovery Plan—a plan that is failing staff, patients, and services every single day. Nurses and midwives need real solutions, not more years of SNP mismanagement.”
Scottish Government Defends Support Initiatives
The Scottish Government has pointed to existing measures aimed at supporting healthcare workers.
A spokesman highlighted that a national wellbeing hub and specialist mental health support are available for nurses and midwives.
“The nursing and midwifery taskforce, informed by staff feedback through the listening project, will soon propose actions to enhance workplace culture, flexibility, recruitment, and retention,” the spokesperson explained.
“Staff wellbeing remains our priority. The introduction of the Health and Care Staffing Act in April 2024 is another step towards ensuring high-quality care and improved outcomes for both patients and staff.”
Background on NHS Staffing Challenges in Scotland
Scotland’s NHS workforce has faced sustained pressure over recent years, with staffing shortages, increased patient demand, and financial constraints compounding the stress faced by healthcare professionals.
The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these challenges, leaving many healthcare workers dealing with burnout and mental health struggles.
The Scottish Government’s NHS Recovery Plan has come under scrutiny, with critics arguing it fails to address the root causes of workforce challenges, including the need for better working conditions, mental health support, and financial incentives to retain staff.
The latest figures serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.
