Recruitment challenges could impact hospital Dining Room in Uist and Barra Hospital

Despite numerous attempts to recruit to catering posts in Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh (Uist and Barra Hospital) on Benbecula, NHS Western Isles is concerned that the inability to fill posts in the hospital could soon result in temporary periods of closure of the hospital dining room.

The Health Board has been attempting to fill Band 2 Catering Assistant posts and a Band 3 Cook/Chef post in the hospital since October last year and has been unable to fill any of the three vacant posts. Vacant posts have been advertised more than 20 times in the past four months, without success.

As a result of the inability to recruit to these vital posts, there is concern that there will be periods in the near future when the dining room will have to temporarily close, with alternative measures being put in place to provide meals for inpatients.

The vacancy rate in the catering department at Ospadal Uibhist agus Bharraigh is currently at 46 per cent. Planned staff retirements in the very near future, present an additional risk that there will not be sufficient staffing to maintain a full service.

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jameson, said: “Despite our ongoing efforts, we have been unable to recruit to the three vacant posts in Uist, and we are potentially facing temporary closure of the dining room in the hospital if we are unsuccessful in our current recruitment efforts. We are unable to sustain the current level of service with only four permanent staff in post, having to cover every shift.

“We have explored options, including assistance from other agencies, however we are now having to look at contingency arrangements for both staff and patient meals. We are currently exploring the option of buying in ready-cooked meals for patients, and will ensure that our vending machine on site is well stocked with a wide range of drinks, snacks and sandwiches for staff. However, these arrangements are not ideal and we will continue to pursue recruitment into the required posts in the meantime.”

At present there are two Catering Assistant posts advertised and a Cook/Chef post. These vacancies close next week. Vacancies – NHS Western Isles | Serving the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.

Whilst the posts are advertised at Band 2 (Catering Assistant) and Band 3 (Cook/Chef) there are significant additional benefits in the NHS terms and conditions as well as very competitive enhanced pay rates for working unsocial hours.

In terms of the Catering Assistant posts, there is potential to earn up to 88 per cent on top of the Band 2 salary for working unsocial hours (Sundays and public holidays, midnight to midnight) or an additional 44 per cent for working Saturdays and any week day after 8pm and before 6am.

For the Cook/Chef Band 3 post, there is the potential to earn up to an additional 74 per cent for working unsocial hours (Sundays and public holidays); or an additional 37 per cent for working Saturdays, and any week day after 8pm and before 6am.

In addition, within NHS Scotland, health boards can apply for a Recruitment and Retention premium (enhanced rate of pay) for posts in which there is a national shortage or in cases where it is extremely difficult to recruit. This application has been submitted by NHS Western Isles for catering posts, and we are awaiting the outcome.

We would encourage anyone interested in these posts to contact George  Maciver,  Catering  Services  Manager,  Western  Isles  Hospital Tel:  01851  708133  or  george.maciver@nhs.scot or to apply online https://apply.jobs.scot.nhs.uk/