There has been too little progress in reducing consultant vacancies in the NHS as it continues to struggle with year-round pressures, doctors have warned.  

The annual BMA Scotland FOI request to Scotland’s health boards has revealed there are more than 1,000 whole time equivalent (WTE) vacancies across the country – enough to staff two large hospitals.

This is more than double the number and rate recorded in official Scottish Government figures, which do not include posts that are temporarily filled by locums, posts that have not yet been advertised and posts that have remained vacant for so long they are no longer being advertised.

According to the most recent statistics published by NES, there are 398 WTE vacancies, with a rate of 6.2%.

However, the figures obtained through our FOI show a total of 1,003 vacancies across health boards in Scotland, with a vacancy rate of 14.4%.

Dr Alan Robertson, chair of the BMA’s Scottish Consultants Committee, said: “It is deeply concerning there has been an alarming lack of progress in tackling the issue of consultant vacancies.

“Our figures show there are still more than 1,000 WTE consultant vacancies across Scotland – a significant number at any time, but even more so when the NHS is facing a real and sustained crisis.

“The official statistics published by the Scottish Government are failing to acknowledge the true scale of the problem and we should not be having to rely on obtaining figures through FOI to get a true picture of what is happening.”

He added: “These figures on consultant vacancies are particularly concerning in light of the recent pledge by the First Minister for the NHS in Scotland to have hundreds of thousands of additional appointments and procedures available each year.

“There is a major question mark over how this extra capacity can be delivered when there are already not enough consultants to simply keep up with current demand and as these figures show, many posts are unfilled.”

The last figures collated by BMA Scotland in April 2024 found there were a total of 1,076 WTE vacancies, a rate of 15.16%.

Dr Robertson continued: “Our figures show there has been a small drop in the number of vacancies – a total of 73 - compared to last year, which is in line with official statistics. But at this rate it would take more than 13 years to fill all the current vacancies and for our patients and those working in the NHS this is too little too late.

“As our recent winter pressures survey starkly demonstrated, the NHS simply does not have the time to wait. Nearly all doctors who responded to our survey – 99% – expressed concerns about the impact of increased pressures on the NHS this winter. 70% believe the NHS is operating on a crisis mode all year round, with 29% saying they believe it often operates on crisis mode. And nearly all doctors – 96% – expressed doubts that there is adequate staffing in the NHS to cope with the likely increase in demand this winter.

“We need urgent action to tackle the medical workforce crisis – which includes firstly recognising and acknowledging the true picture when it comes to Scotland’s medical workforce vacancies and then planning to recruit and retain the staff needed to provide the public with the service they require and expect, ensuring the long-term sustainability of our health service.

“While the investment in consultant pay last year was a welcome step along the path towards full pay restoration, it is vital for the long-term stability of the NHS that Scotland is a competitive and attractive place for consultants to work.  This will not only go towards improving retention and recruitment but benefit the NHS and patients whose care suffers as workforce vacancies go unaddressed.” 

 

Notes to editors

BMA Scotland’s FOI data for vacancies took into consideration posts that are temporarily filled by locums, posts that have not yet been advertised, and posts that have remained vacant for so long they are no longer being advertised. The official figures released by NES for the Scottish Government do not account for any of these vacancies.  

The FOI request was submitted to Scotland’s 14 territorial health boards, along with NHS Education for Scotland, State Hospital, NHS National Services Scotland, Golden Jubilee and Public Health Scotland.  
The most recent quarterly figures on consultant vacancy rates published by National Education Scotland (NES) are as of September 2024 and can be found here. 

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.