Moray’s MSP has expressed optimism the sickly recruitment situation at the region’s biggest hospital may soon take a turn for the better.
Richard Lochhead met NHS Grampian’s chief executive, Malcolm Wright, this week to hear what is being done to attract consultants to Dr Gray’s in Elgin.
Despite being heartened that new outpatient staff will soon start working in Moray, the politician now wants to know what the Scottish Government is doing to boost recruitment.
Patients attending clinics, which can’t be held in Elgin, due to a consultant shortage, currently face making a 160-mile round trip to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Mr Lochhead is determined to ensure older residents and those in pain do not have to make the exhausting journey, by providing facilities closer to home.
He said: “I’ve asked for information as to what action the Government is taking to improve matters as well as what is expected of NHS Grampian to address the shortages at Dr Gray’s.
“In recent months, I have listened to the views of NHS staff, including the consultants at Dr Gray’s and, of course, patients to ensure I hear a wide range of views.
“The stumbling block with the provision of services at the hospital is often the difficulty in recruiting staff to key posts and this is why I’m interested to hear what is being done at a national level as well as a more local level.”
Mr Lochhead has written to the Health Secretary, Shona Robison, to get an update on outpatient provision at Dr Gray’s.
Last night, NHS Grampian explained it would not be “sensible or practical” to replicate services in Aberdeen across the whole of Grampian due to the needs of patients, but would work to maintain staff when appropriate.
A spokeswoman added: “Recruitment is challenging for us throughout Grampian, given the comparatively high cost of living and strength of the local economy.
“However, we are actively recruiting to a range of posts across the organisation and our posts are advertised locally, nationally and internationally and staff attend job fairs.
“We believe this is an attractive place to work and live and we continue to seek new employees to join us.”