NHS Scotland crisis: Mental health absences spiralling among NHS ambulance workers

Mental health absences among Scottish paramedics have spiralled by almost 420 per cent to a five-year high, new figures have revealed

Figures obtained via Freedom of Information legislation show almost 10,000 hours were lost among paramedics working in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Inverness and Dundee due to anxiety, stress or depression last year.

The number of mental health absences has risen from 1,914 in 2019 to 9,902 in 2023 across those areas in the country’s north east. Overall absence rates have surged from 16,951 (5.9 per cent) to 34,271 (9.1 per cent).

In 2023, paramedics also took 9,409 hours off due to musculoskeletal/fractures, a rise of 80 per cent compared to 2019, while absences due to operations, gastro problems and colds/influenza also surged.

Paramedics also took 9,409 hours off last year due to musculoskeletal/fractures – a rise of 80 per cent compared to 2019. Absences due to operations, gastro problems and colds/influenza also surged.

Earlier this year, The Scotsman revealed how ambulances were facing queues of over four hours outside some Scottish hospitals.

In the week commencing January 1, a total of 10 per cent of ambulances transporting patients to University Hospital Crosshouse in Kilmarnock spent more than four hours and 25 minutes waiting outside, according to Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) figures.

In Lanarkshire, around 30 of the 315 ambulances dispatched to transport patients to University Hospital Wishaw were forced to wait more than four hours and 38 minutes outside the emergency department.

Scottish Conservative North East MSP and deputy health spokesperson Tess White said: “Our hard-working paramedics are at breaking point due to the crippling and intense pressure they are being put under. Their workload is spiralling out of control and this SNP Government is risking the health of both our fantastic ambulance crews and patients by not offering enough support.

“It’s totally unacceptable to have so many ambulances stationed outside hospitals at one time and it’s no wonder this is taking a toll on their mental health. Paramedics are having to work long hours without breaks and in worsening conditions due to these slow ambulance turnaround times.

“We cannot allow this mental health crisis to continue which is why Humza Yousaf and his failing SNP Government must take urgent action to address this alarming trend.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) said: “The health and well-being of hard-working staff is an absolute priority, which is why we encourage people to come forward and seek help and we have a range of support on offer.

"We recognise the significant pressure on our services due to lengthy turn-around times at some hospitals and the frustration crews feel as this prevents them from getting back out on the road to treat other patients.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Our health services have been, and continue to be, under substantial pressure. We value the tremendous job our ambulance service staff do in what can be exceptionally challenging circumstances. We take their welfare and mental health very seriously and encourage the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) to support staff and prioritise their wellbeing.

“SAS always aim to ensure staff receive rest breaks within the appropriate timescales. However, this can sometimes be impacted by levels of demand and waiting times for ambulances at A&E. We continue to invest in supporting SAS staff and patients, including a record number of additional staff (1,388) since 2020, with a further 317 on track to be recruited by April 2024.”