NHS Lanarkshire had the highest number of sick days lost by nursing and midwifery staff in one year, totaling 24,342 days in 2023/24. This data was revealed through figures obtained by the Scottish Liberal Democrats, showing a total of 762,975 days lost across all 14 territorial health boards since 2020. A survey conducted by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland earlier this year found that 91% of nurses expressed that financial pressures were impacting their mental health.
In response to these concerning statistics, the Scottish Government highlighted the availability of specialist mental health support for nurses and midwives, as well as a national wellbeing hub. They emphasised their commitment to understanding and addressing the challenges faced by nursing and midwifery staff, with plans to improve workplace culture, recruitment, and retention through the nursing and midwifery taskforce.
Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton criticised the government, calling for action to address burnout among healthcare workers. He highlighted the impact of staffing pressures on the quality of patient care and urged for solutions to support nurses and midwives effectively.
It is evident that the healthcare sector, particularly nursing and midwifery staff, is experiencing significant challenges that impact both individual wellbeing and patient care. As demands on healthcare professionals continue to increase, there is a pressing need for comprehensive support systems and proactive measures to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the healthcare workforce.