PSYCHIATRISTS have warned services “remain under severe strain” as health boards across Scotland struggle to fill vacancies.

The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) workforce census shows that of the 642 consultant psychiatrist posts across Scotland, more than a quarter of the posts were vacant or covered by a locum. That figure soared to 45 per cent in the north of Scotland.

RCPsych chair in Scotland Dr Jane Morris said: “We’ve been warning for years that Scotland is struggling to retain experienced psychiatrists.

“This latest data shows that the problem is not improving — and in some areas it is getting worse.

“Behind these figures are overstretched teams, longer waits for patients and a growing pressure on clinicians.

“We cannot afford to let this trend continue. Without focused investment and workforce planning, services — particularly general adult psychiatry — will remain under severe strain.”

Mental wellbeing minister Tom Arthur responded: “We expect spending on Mental Health to exceed £1.5 billion this year. 

“We recognise the workforce pressures in psychiatry and are taking forward action to address this as set out in our Mental Health and Wellbeing Workforce Action Plan.”