LOCUM STAFF MUST NOT JEOPARDISE PATIENT SAFETY - LIB DEMS

Written by Ross Finnie on Wed 4th Jun 2008

LOCUM STAFF MUST NOT JEOPARDISE PATIENT SAFETY - LIB DEMS

Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary Ross Finnie MSP has called on Health Boards to publish details of any background checks they make before allowing locum staff to start work.

Reports today have confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the work of a locum hospital radiologist who has worked in the Highlands and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area. Concerns have been raised about his interpretation of x-rays.

Commenting, Mr Finnie said:

"Before permanent NHS staff members start work they undergo background checks because they shoulder responsibility for patient safety. Despite the fact that they don't have a permanent role, locum workers share this responsibility whenever they work for an NHS Board.

"We need to know what checks NHS Boards carry out on locums before allowing them to start work. I hope that this incident was an isolated case, but we must ensure that measures are in place to protect patients."

Ends.