The number of consultants working in Scotland’s emergency departments is set to increase, it was confirmed today.

Over £3 million will be invested over the next three years as part of an innovative £50 million action plan which aims to shake-up the way unscheduled care is delivered in every part of our NHS.

The numbers of consultants have increased from 76 (wte) in September 2006 to 149.0 (wte) in March 2013 an increase of 96.7 per cent.
Health boards will begin to recruit the extra consultants immediately.

In welcoming the news Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson said:

“This is a significant investment, which includes an additional consultant for Forth Valley, and is testimony to how seriously the Scottish Government is taking the work to improve services for patients.

“More people than ever before are coming to hospital as emergency admissions due to the ageing population and we need to make sure emergency services are fit for the future.

“I’m pleased that A & E services in Forth Valley will benefit from this additional investment”