Hospital staff concerns over reliance on agency workers

NHS staff in Moray have raised concerns about the reliance on agency and locum workers at Dr Gray's Hospital in Elgin.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland said 10 of the 20 recommendations made to NHS Grampian after an inspection in October last year have still to be met.

These included issues relating to the management of controlled drugs within the emergency department, and staff training in paediatric life support.

NHS Grampian said it was working hard to reduce reliance on agency and locum staff.

Healthcare Improvement Scotland said a follow-up inspection in July found improved compliance in paediatric life support.

However it said medical staff raised concerns regarding senior support, particularly in the out-of-hours periods, as well as concerns about a reliance on agency locum staff

NHS Grampian said; "We are pleased with the recognition of five areas of good practice and of the significant improvements the team have made that are specifically highlighted by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

It added “We remain fully committed to providing the best experience possible for our patients and our staff at Dr Gray’s Hospital."