The head of hosted mental health at NHS Grampian has warned some services will be in for a “tricky” summer as a staff shortage continues to take its toll.
The health board is currently short by 48 mental health workers – up on the 47 vacancies for similar posts that were being advertised this time last year.
While the positions are expected to be filled over the coming months, Jane Fletcher warned the NHS Grampian Board at a meeting yesterday that the situation cannot be resolved overnight as the new recruits will take time to start their jobs.
She said: “There are more student nurses coming through. Robert Gordon University is training more.
“We have also had some successful recruitment drives including some people out with Grampian which is really good news.
“From September onwards it’s looking better but summer is going to be tricky.
“It’s going to be hard.”
The health board is also beginning preparations for a “peak” of retirements next year, which could once again hit staffing levels.
Mrs Fletcher added: “We have got a lot of people retiring next year so we will continue to work very hard to ensure our staffing levels remain safe.”
Alexander Burnett, Scottish Conservative MSP for Aberdeenshire West, said: “It is good to hear that more student nurses are coming through and that recruitment efforts have been successful.
“However, it appears clear that the summer period will be very challenging indeed.
“Mental health patients in Grampian are already waiting far too long for treatment compared to other areas.
“The impact of further delays on vulnerable people could be very damaging indeed and this will be very worrying news for families affected.”