A summit has been arranged to draw up plans to offer “Move to Moray” incentive packages in a bid to attract health workers to the region.
Local MSP Richard Lochhead has confirmed he will convene a meeting of key representatives next week for talks on the best ways to fill vacant posts.
The move follows previous discussions, led by Mr Lochhead, on how to recruit public sector workers to Moray, where it was agreed a multi-agency taskforce would be established.
The MSP has said that recent developments at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin – where overnight admissions to the children’s ward have been suspended – highlighted the need for a greater focus on the issue.
The meeting will take place on Friday and feature representatives from NHS Grampian, Moray Council, and housing firms.
Mr Lochhead added: “I previously called for the establishment of a public sector taskforce to look at how we can attract key professionals to Moray, which NHS Grampian and various agencies signed up to.
“The situation at Dr Gray’s continues to be fragile and recent changes to paediatric services due to consultant and junior doctor shortages highlights the need to put incentives to attract key staff at the front and centre of discussions.
“We need the community to come together to support the hospital, which is why I’m bringing together local representatives from both the public and private sector to look at how we can up the offer for health workers coming to the area, and how we can develop a ‘Move to Moray’ package for key workers that could include housing, as well as access to leisure facilities.”
Alasdair Pattinson, general manager for Dr Gray’s Hospital, said: “We want to explore all potential options to help attract additional qualified health staff to Moray and look forward to playing an active role in this taskforce.
“We are also keen to develop new ideas and are interested to hear more about the ‘Move to Moray’ suggestion.
“Moray is a fantastic place to live and work and developing a partnership approach alongside representatives from the council, the community and our elected representatives will be vital in ensuring that we are able to provide a more resilient public sector workforce in Moray.”
