Meeting of the Parliament 11 June 2025
I am aware that a limited number, on a geographical basis, have found that a struggle, but, as I have just said, a wide range of vacancies are available for newly qualified nurses to go into.
I am also aware of similar reports of resident doctors having difficulty in securing specialty training places; that has been part of our discussions with the workforce and with the First Minister and wider partners.
As I am sure that Jackie Baillie is aware, specialty training places are recruited for on a United Kingdom-wide basis and then allocated according to where the greatest service needs lie. Entry to specialty training is through a competitive application process that is run on a four-nations basis.
Contrary to Jackie Baillie’s assertion, we have funded the creation of hundreds of additional specialty training posts across all specialities, including 47 that were added in 2025. We are ensuring that we train the number of consultants that we need for the future, which is why we have funded the creation of hundreds of additional posts across specialties.
I recognise the calls for greater workforce planning to account for what patients and the public want from their health service and, importantly, to ensure that medical careers remain attractive. That is why the Scottish Government is taking forward the work that Jackie Baillie mentioned in her motion—to think 15 and 20 years into the future and gain an understanding of the needs of the future medical workforce.