Local MSP Jackie Baillie warned that the NHS is reaching crisis point after Scottish Labour’s Freedom of Information request revealed the extent of the concerns raised by health workers.

Local MSP Jackie Baillie warned that the NHS is reaching crisis point after Scottish Labour’s Freedom of Information request revealed the extent of the concerns raised by health workers.

The FoI found that in the past year there have been over 2500 instances of staff raising concerns and 150 cases of bullying reported. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde logged the highest number of complaints in Scotland, with 676 cases reported by members of staff and 13 incidents of bullying. NHS Highland had 428 complaints and 12 cases of bullying.

Jackie said:

“These figures highlight the pressures faced by staff and patients across the NHS and the Scottish Government’s continued failure to tackle them. It is particularly worrying that nearly half of the total number of cases in Scotland have been logged in the two health boards which serve patients in Dumbarton, Vale of Leven and Helensburgh and Lomond. We have to look at the underlying reasons behind these complaints and address them the root causes as quick fixes won’t work.

“It is vital that all concerns raised by staff and complaints of bullying within the NHS are treated in a serious and sensitive manner and are comprehensively addressed. All too often, regardless of the workplace, staff feel silenced through the fear that their problem won’t be resolved. We have to ensure that the right structures are in place for those who feel bullied to come forward with any concerns they face. 

“Our NHS is at crisis point and we know that there is a £450 million black hole in the SNP’s plans for the health service. It is time for the SNP to take responsibility for their actions and fully address the pressures being felt by staff and patients throughout Scotland.”

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