Scotland health board accused of ‘blacklisting’ after turning away radiologists amid shortage
Administrators at the NHS Highland health board in Scotland have been accused of “blacklisting” after refusing to hire three veteran radiologists amid a severe staff shortage, according to a report in The Herald.
All three radiologists had formerly consulted for NHS Highland. One had their job offer revoked after publicly commenting on the hospital’s alleged culture of bullying. He has since claimed he has been “barred from employment due to whistleblowing,” The Herald reported.
“This is all about spite and bullying and bitterness and revenge. It’s blacklisting,” said one of the consultants, who chose to remain anonymous, to the news outlet. "They just have this blanket policy whereby anyone who’s left they’re not going to take back, as if they’re somehow tarnished.”
According to The Herald, NHS Highland has hired radiologists who did not meet criteria put forth in a February 2018 initiative launched by the Scottish Government to help address the nation’s radiology shortage. NHS Highland was found to be one of the nation’s 14 health boards that didn’t recruit new consultant radiologists through the program.
A spokesman for NHS Highland said the board is working on the requirement details of potential radiology staff.
"When we are clear on our requirements we would welcome all applications from suitably qualified radiologists with the relevant skills and experience. We are delighted to hear that there may be interest,” The Herald reported.
All this comes after NHS Highland employees wrote to the news outlet in September detailing a culture of fear at the organization.
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Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.