04.06.13
Police support proposed for NHS Grampian
NHS Grampian is to consider bringing in police or the Red Cross to support nurses during a staff shortage, reports suggest.
The idea has come up in papers that will be put before the board, according to the Telegraph. They say: “Looking at what the third sector, for example the Red Cross and the police, might do to assist with back up.”
Scottish Patients Association chairman Margaret Watt said: “I’ve never heard of such a cock-eyed idea in my entire life.”
The health board advertised 30 nursing posts two months ago at Royal Cornhill Hospital in Aberdeen which needed to be filled as soon as possible, but nine positions have yet to be filled. A spokesperson said: “The staffing position, whilst challenging, continues to improve.”
Neither the police nor the Red Cross has yet been approached. The staff would not take on frontline roles within the hospital, NHS Grampian added.
North East Labour MSP Richard Baker said: “I've never heard of a situation like this one right across the whole of Scotland. Having to resort to bringing in police and the Red Cross to keep the hospital going would be a national scandal.”
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