The mental health of nursing and midwifery staff in Scotland is taking a significant toll, with more than 700,000 days of staff time lost due to mental health-related issues since 2020. Figures obtained through freedom of information requests by the Scottish Liberal Democrats (Lib Dems) show a staggering 762,975 days lost across the 14 territorial health boards in Scotland. This highlights the growing concern around staff burnout and its impact on the healthcare system.
The Impact of Mental Health on Nursing and Midwifery Staff
The breakdown of lost days reveals that NHS Lanarkshire had the highest total for the 2023/24 period, with 24,342 days lost due to mental health-related issues. This is part of a broader trend where nursing and midwifery staff are increasingly reporting stress, exhaustion, and mental health challenges as they continue to manage the pressures of their work.
Earlier this year, a survey from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland found that a staggering 91% of nurses reported that financial pressures were negatively impacting their mental health. The survey pointed to the combination of long hours, high workload, and financial strain as contributing factors to the widespread stress among nursing staff. The data underscores the urgent need to address the mental health crisis within the healthcare workforce.
Political Reactions and Concerns
Alex Cole-Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, has voiced strong concerns about the state of Scotland’s healthcare workforce. He criticized the Scottish Government’s handling of the situation, particularly referencing the decision made by Nicola Sturgeon to cut nursing training places, a move Cole-Hamilton described as “sensible” at the time but one that has led to increased pressure on existing staff.
Cole-Hamilton argued that the figures reveal a concerning reality: nurses and midwives are overwhelmed, and when staff are stressed and overworked, the quality of patient care inevitably suffers. He stated: “These figures show that many of them now feel completely overwhelmed. This matters because when nurses are stressed and run off their feet, they are in no position to provide the highest quality care for their patients.”
The Lib Dem leader also expressed frustration with the Scottish Government’s ongoing approach to the crisis, particularly the NHS Recovery Plan. He contended that the plan was failing both staff and patients, and he called for more immediate solutions to address staff burnout, recruitment, and retention issues.
The Scottish Government’s Response
In response to the concerns raised, a Scottish Government spokesperson acknowledged the challenges facing nursing and midwifery staff and highlighted the availability of specialist mental health support for healthcare workers. The government has also introduced a national wellbeing hub, designed to offer resources and support for NHS staff across Scotland.
The spokesperson further emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing staff wellbeing, stating: “We are committed to understanding the issues affecting nursing and midwifery staff. The nursing and midwifery taskforce, informed by staff feedback through the listening project, will soon recommend actions to improve workplace culture, flexibility, recruitment, and retention.”
The government also pointed to the Health and Care Staffing Act, which was introduced in April 2024, as a measure aimed at improving care quality and supporting the wellbeing of health and care staff. The act seeks to promote high-quality care and better outcomes for both service users and healthcare professionals.
The Path Forward
Despite the Scottish Government’s efforts to provide support, the figures on lost nursing days remain concerning. The continued strain on the NHS workforce, exacerbated by mental health challenges, points to a deeper issue within the system. Nurses and midwives are essential to the delivery of quality care, and their mental and physical wellbeing must be prioritized if the NHS is to thrive.
The debate around nurse staffing, mental health support, and recruitment strategies is far from over. As the nursing and midwifery taskforce prepares its recommendations, it will be crucial to see what concrete actions the government takes to alleviate the pressures on healthcare workers and ensure they have the necessary support to carry out their vital roles.
With staff wellbeing now at the forefront of the discussion, it is clear that a more comprehensive, long-term approach is needed to address the mental health crisis facing healthcare professionals and to ensure that Scotland’s NHS remains sustainable for the future.
