Patients could “pay a hefty price” after shock new statistics revealed almost a fifth of nurses in north and north-east Scotland are closing in on retirement.
New analysis of the workforce at NHS Highland and NHS Grampian shows significant numbers of crucial staff are 55 or older.
Opposition politicians have warned the retirement time bomb could leave a “huge hole” in nursing and midwifery.
At NHS Highland 21% of the workforce is aged 55 or older, while at NHS Grampian it is over 16%.
Both figures are higher than in 2011, reflecting well-publicised difficulties in recruiting nursing and midwifery staff in the north and north-east.
The Scottish Government said there is a “record number” of NHS staff in Scotland.
But North East Tory MSP Ross Thomson said: “Nurses in the older age bracket do a fantastic job, and their experience and commitment is extremely valuable to the NHS.
“But we can’t rely on them forever, and over the next decade the vast majority who are currently 55 or over will be embarking on a well-earned retirement.
“That’s going to leave a huge hole in NHS Highland and NHS Grampian’s nursing and midwifery staffing, and will be extremely difficult to replace.
“The SNP must start planning now to address this, because it has failed to train a sufficient number of nurses up to this point.
“If action isn’t taken, patients will pay a hefty price.”
Both health boards insisted the age profile of staff was one of the key areas of focus in their workforce planning and that they are actively recruiting nurses.
NHS Grampian said the equivalent of 176 full-time nurses and midwives were recruited last year, while NHS Highland said it had launched a “major initiative” to “develop a sustainable workforce into the future”.
Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “Under this Government, NHS staff numbers have risen significantly, with record number of consultants, nurses and midwives and allied health professionals now delivering care for the people of Scotland.
“This government has also committed £450,000 over three years to reintroduce a national return to practice scheme.
“The scheme is well underway and has already attracted around 160 former nurses and midwives who wish to get back into the profession.”