Story perspectives

Scotland's NHS Faces Crisis: 1 Million Days Lost to Mental Health

10/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Over one million days of nursing and midwifery staff time have been lost in Scotland due to mental health issues, according to the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
This loss equates to nearly 3,000 years of work, with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde experiencing the highest losses.
Trade unions link this crisis to increased workloads and the aftermath of COVID-19.
Health Secretary Neil Gray acknowledged the challenges and highlighted efforts to improve staff wellbeing and increase workforce numbers.
Critics claim the SNP government has inadequately addressed these issues, resulting in burnout and staffing shortages in the NHS.

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Story summary

Over one million days of nursing and midwifery staff time have been lost in Scotland due to mental health issues, according to the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
This loss equates to nearly 3,000 years of work, with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde experiencing the highest losses.
Trade unions link this crisis to increased workloads and the aftermath of COVID-19.
Health Secretary Neil Gray acknowledged the challenges and highlighted efforts to improve staff wellbeing and increase workforce numbers.
Critics claim the SNP government has inadequately addressed these issues, resulting in burnout and staffing shortages in the NHS.