20% of consultant posts vacant or filled by locum

Nearly one fifth of consultant posts in the country’s hospitals are vacant or being covered by locums, temporary employees, or part-time staff.

In some cases, doctors who have — in theory — secured permanent posts are filling their own jobs as locums because their appointments have not been fully processed.

A total of 482 out of the 2,580 approved permanent posts are either completely uncovered or are being filled in a patchwork manner. Recruitment restrictions means no change is likely this year.