More than 2,500 NHS staff off on long-term sick, figures show

More than 2,500 doctors, nurses and midwives in the NHS were recorded as being off on long-term sick leave, figures obtained by the Scottish Liberal Democrats have revealed.

A freedom of information (FOI) request submitted by the party showed that earlier this year at least 2,555 workers in the health service were off on long-term sick at the same time.

Nurses made up the overwhelming majority of those on long-term sick, which is usually defined as someone off sick for more than four weeks.

In total, NHS staff have been off with long-term sickness on 43,881 occasions over the past five years.

The FOI showed the number of staff off sick long-term has risen by about a third over the past five years.

In 2019-20, 7,069 doctors, nurses and midwives before increasing to 8,451 in 2021-22.

Last year, that figure ballooned to 10,748 in 2022-23 before falling slightly to 10,042 last year.

Alex Cole-Hamilton, the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, called for a new package of support for NHS staff.

He said the figures showed staffing within the health service was in a “fragile place”.

He added: “Staff are utterly exhausted from dealing with huge pressure on every shift and occupational risks like long Covid.

“Many feel they have no other option but to take long-term leave or quit the profession entirely.

“If we are to avoid another winter crisis in our NHS, ministers need to plug the huge gaps in the workforce.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats would completely overhaul the SNP’s failed NHS recovery plan to prioritise the recruitment and retention of staff and increase training places in key areas such as mental heath and dentistry.

“The SNP also need to reverse their opposition to a burnout prevention strategy for staff, otherwise they run the risk of losing many more NHS staff who we desperately need.

“Staff and patients have paid too high a price for the SNP’s carelessness with our NHS.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We value the tremendous job our NHS staff do in what can be exceptionally challenging circumstances and take their welfare and mental health very seriously.

“We offer staff wellbeing resources which include the 24/7 compassionate listening service, confidential mental health treatment through the Workforce Specialist Service and access to psychological therapies and interventions.

“Our National Wellbeing Hub also offers a range of self-care wellbeing resources and signposting to relevant mental health and support services.”