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NHS Fife workers raise staffing concerns

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NHS workers in Fife have raised concerns about staffing levels 166 times in the last year.

New figures released after a freedom of information request by Labour MSP Rhoda Grant also revealed 13 complaints of bullying were received by NHS Fife from its staff.

Throughout Scotland, there were more than 2,500 instances of staff raising concerns and 150 reported instances of bullying.

Ms Grant, Labour’s shadow minister for wellbeing, said the figures highlight the pressures faced by staff and patients across the NHS.

Health Secretary Alex Neil has been pressed for answers about a shortage of consultants in Fife, where there were 40 vacancies during the summer.

This resulted in soaring waiting times for patients referred for diagnostic tests and a doubling in the number of patients failing to be dealt with within the six-week target period.

Ms Grant said: “We have to look at the underlying reasons behind these complaints and address them at their root causes. Quick fixes won’t work.”

She added: “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 services.

“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.

“It is vital that all complaints of bullying within the NHS are treated in a serious and sensitive manner and are comprehensively addressed.

“We know that staff, management and patients are feeling the pressures of an NHS that is enduring considerable strain under the SNP.

“We also have to ensure that this is a full record of the problem faced within our health service.

“All too often, regardless of the workplace, staff feel silenced through the fear that their problem won’t be addressed.

“We have to ensure that the right structures are in place for those who feel bullied to come forward with any concerns they face.”

NHS Fife director of human resources Rona King said the workforce was always under review to ensure that staffing levels were appropriate.

She also made it clear that all allegations of bullying were investigated.

“NHS Fife continually reviews its workforce to ensure that staffing levels are safe and the skill mix is appropriate for all our departments,” she said.

“NHS Fife has a Dignity at Work policy, developed in partnership, which covers any allegations of bullying and harassment.

“Staff are encouraged to access this policy, either through their line management or directly through human resources staff. Any form of bullying or harassment is totally unacceptable and any allegations will be investigated and staff fully supported.”