Mental health warning over psychiatrists shortage

More than one quarter of consultant posts in psychiatry are not permanently filled, figures show.

Twenty-eight per cent of the roles are either vacant or covered by locum staff, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych), which obtained data from 11 of the country’s 14 health boards as well as the State Hospital Board for Scotland, private provider Cygnet Healthcare and the Mental Welfare Commission.

The level rises to 45 per cent in the north of the country and the specialist body says patients will suffer.

Dr Jane Morris, chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, 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. 

“Despite repeated warnings in successive workforce censuses, we are continuing to lose experienced consultant psychiatrists from Scotland’s services.

“The regional variation is particularly alarming as this has real implications for patient care and for the clinicians working under sustained pressure.

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

The figures are based on levels from March 2025, when there were 642 consultant psychiatrist posts across the country.

RCPsych said one in nine specialist and associate specialist posts are also either vacant or staffed temporarily.

General adult services comprise 45 per cent of all patients receiving mental health care.

Mental wellbeing minister Tom Arthur said spending on mental health will exceed £1.5bn this year and action is being taken on “workforce pressures”. He commented: “We remain committed to working closely with the psychiatry profession across NHS Scotland to address workforce challenges and improve outcomes for people across Scotland. We have provided NHS Education for Scotland with over £31m to continue multi-disciplinary education, training and workforce expansion.

“We have invested over £160m since 2020 in community-based mental health supports for children, young people and adults.

“We are making progress on waiting times – CAMHS [child and adolescent mental health services] has met its 18-week treatment standard for five consecutive quarters with 90 per cent of children and young people starting treatment within 18 weeks.

“We know there is more to do and are working with partners to refresh our Mental Health and Wellbeing Delivery Plan.”