NHS Forth Valley leadership under spotlight as fresh revelations raise questions over working conditions

dailyrecord.co.uk:

NHS Forth Valley’s CEO and chair have come under pressure to resign amid fresh allegations about the working environment at Forth Valley Royal.The Larbert unit, which deals with patients from all over Stirling, has seen staff fighting to cope with surging patient numbers.Five respiratory consultants are also believed to have resigned in the space of a few weeks.Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart says recent reports have suggested the hospital has reached “breaking point” - and believes only an overhaul of top bosses at the health board can resolve the situation.Mr Stewart said: “This has been simmering for over four years and it would now appear that the facility is at breaking point.”He added that the chair and CEO “must recognise their shortcomings and for the benefit of the facility and the community, they should seriously consider their positions”.Mr Stewart added: “Only a complete restructure and recruitment of a new senior management team at NHS Forth Valley will allow this appalling working culture and level of patient care to improve and improve it must, for the safety of all patients and staff.”Meanwhile, a statement from Forth Valley’s Unison branch said it was “aware and alarmed” by the resignations and said it had raised the issue of consultant departures at a meeting on October 18.An NHS Forth Valley spokeswoman said: “Senior clinical and service leads are aware of the considerable pressures faced by frontline staff and are working closely with staff to address concerns and support the delivery of care and treatment in these very challenging circumstances.“A wide range of work is underway to reduce pressure and increase capacity across local health and social care services.“Significant investment