Union representatives demonstrated outside the meeting demanding better pay for health workers.
The group, from Unison’s Grampian branch, also criticised Health Minister Shona Robeson for not attending the review when the board is facing a staffing crisis.
Martin McKay, branch secretary, accused the minister of “not caring” about patients and staff.
He said: “These staff work under immense pressure to put their patients first and staff are now at breaking point.
“A decent pay award would show that they do matter and they are valued for the hard work they do.
“However for the government to not care enough for the patients of the north-east to send a government minister to answer questions about staffing numbers being at an all time low, ward closures and waiting time deadlines being missed is unacceptable.”
The union’s demonstration came as Ms Robison announced the board would get a share of £50m funding for extra hospital staff over the winter
And the Scottish Government has claimed it has taken significant action to try and address the issues the board is facing.
A spokeswoman said: “Our recently published NHS workforce plan also sets out a commitment to delivering around 2,600 additional nursing and midwifery training places by the end of this parliament, as part of a wide-ranging set of measures to support and sustain our workforce.
“Actions will be targeted in priority areas, including the north of Scotland. In addition to this we have committed to enshrine safe staffing in law and are currently considering the responses we received to the recently closed consultation on this.”
“The annual review process is intended to ensure the rigorous scrutiny of NHS Boards’ performance whilst encouraging as much dialogue and accountability between local communities and their health boards as possible.
“That is why ministerial attendance at board annual reviews happens at least once every parliamentary cycle and the cabinet secretary has discussions with the board and chief executive on an ongoing basis through the year.”