National shortage of radiologists leaves Scotland’s NHS in crisis mode

Scotland’s National Health Service has been unable to fill dozens of radiologist positions across its nine branches, prompting a global search for qualified clinicians, the BBC reported this month.

“The campaign highlights the benefits of living in Scotland and working for our NHS, and it demonstrates our commitment to a vibrant, dynamic and outward-looking health service, staffed by some of the very best clinicians from around the world,” Health Secretary Shona Robison told BBC.

The issue stems from a “desperate” shortage of radiologists across the country, according to previous statements. The Scottish NHS has already revealed a £4 million—or $5.6 million—plan to implement a “radiology transformation program” that will seek to improve patient services and increase the number radiologist speciality training centers in the country.

The search for new staffers will stretch from the U.K. to India, the U.S., Canada, Western Europe and Australia.

“We are determined to recruit and retain the best and the brightest in order to deliver sustainable health services for the people of Scotland,” Robison said.