More than 30 staff at NHS Grampian were suspended from duty in 2014 amid a string of allegations about their conduct – from being drunk while at work to inappropriate behaviour.
A total of 32 employees of all grades, from consultants to administrative workers, were told to stay away from work after concerns were raised by colleagues at the board’s hospitals between January and October this year.
Figures released under freedom of information legislation show that 12 staff faced allegations of unprofessional behaviour, while six were accused of inappropriate conduct in the workplace.
Three members of staff were suspended for alleged breaches of alcohol policy. NHS Grampian has a zero-tolerance approach to drinking during the working day.
Four employees were alleged to be working without the correct registration, while another worker was accused of lying about a criminal conviction.
Tight rules govern the conduct of NHS staff and it is likely that the overall figures for suspensions during 2014 will be higher than last year because of the fallout from the publication earlier this month of two damning reports on conduct and practice at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
NHS Grampian bosses have already vowed to clamp down on those whose behaviour at work has fallen below expected standards.
North-east Labour MSP Richard Baker said some of the allegations were “extremely serious”.
He added: “Clearly, some of the reasons which have resulted in staff being suspended are extremely serious and it is vital that in all such instances NHS Grampian takes the necessary disciplinary action, but this seems to me to be a relatively small number given the size of NHS Grampian’s workforce.
“In considering this issue it is important to remember the vast majority of NHS staff in Grampian are doing a fantastic job in challenging circumstances due to the recruitment crisis.”
Staff will be suspended as a route of last resort, with others facing an investigation often having their duties restricted or being moved to another department.
If suspended, workers – who will remain on full pay – will be asked not to return to NHS premises or speak to colleagues until inquiries have been completed.
Fourteen nurses, two administrative staff, two consultants, one doctor, one technician and five ancillary support workers were amongst those asked to temporarily leave the organisation while their conduct was being investigated.
No information was available about the outcome of the proceedings against these staff.
In 2013, a total of 37 staff were suspended, down from 47 the year before.
The most serious claims regarding professional conduct of NHS staff will be referred to regulators, such as the General Medical Council and Nursing and Midwifery Council.
A spokeswoman for NHS Grampian said: “NHS Grampian recognises that, in the main, employees do their best to achieve high standards of conduct and do not attend work with the intention of behaving inappropriately.
“It is inevitable, however, that some employees may, on occasions, fail to meet acceptable standards and there are robust policies in place to promote the resolution of such difficulties in a supportive, fair, consistent and proactive way.
“It is important to note that suspension is not a disciplinary measure and will always be for as short a period as is possible.