Caithness psychiatrist post to be advertised by NHS Highland

A post for a Caithness psychiatrist is to be advertised by NHS Highland, it has been confirmed.

A health authority spokesman said: "We have previously advertised psychiatry positions in Caithness and will continue to do so and in the meantime we have a locum psychiatrist based in Caithness who provides high-quality, patient-centred care to the people of Caithness."

He added: "We advertise a wide range of vacancies across a number of specialities through our Aim High Aim Highland campaign and many of these roles include flexibility in terms of location. We have found this to be a more successful way of recruiting permanent staff as it provides greater opportunities for professional collaboration and development."

The plan was outlined at a mediation meeting which took place this week with senior members of NHS Highland and Peter Todd, who lives in Thurso.

Mr Todd has claimed "the revolving door of locum psychiatrists is a major factor" for alleged data breaches in his medical files. He pointed out he has received information about other patients in his files and has referred his complaints to the Information Commissioner and the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman but asked for the meeting "to try and find a constructive way forward for both parties".

Mr Todd, who was accompanied at Monday's meeting in New Craigs in Inverness by Thurso and Northwest Caithness councillor Matthew Reiss, said NHS Highland has undertaken to advertise for a locally-based psychiatrist post.

"Those present have given an undertaking to advertise for a psychiatrist to be based in Caithness because it’s obvious by the revolving door of locums that the distance they have to do on a weekly basis from New Craig’s to Caithness is a major barrier to finding a permanent solution for patients who desperately need stability," said Mr Todd.

Mr Reiss said: "I will assist NHS Highland in any way I can. The health authority is trying different forms of advertising for a range of jobs, not just for the psychiatrist."

Mr Todd explained that the meeting included NHS Highland chief executive Pam Dudek, clinical director for mental health Dr Neil McNamara and New Craig's service manager Arlene Johnstone.

Afterwards he welcomed what he described as "the constructive nature of the first in a series of mediation meetings" and said the patients whose information was divulged to him have been informed of the situation.

Mr Todd added: "Those present are going to find out what the reportable threshold is for data breaches. There are strict procedures in place for dealing with them and managers shouldn’t be sending e-mails thinking everything can be swept under the carpet."

Mr Reiss described the mediation meeting as "constructive and open-minded". He said those attending were "very honest" and added: "It has taken a long time but, hopefully, it will resolve all these issues."

NHS Highland said the aim of the meeting was "to come to a mutual understanding regarding any historic matters in a bid to move on with a constructive outlook".

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