NHS Forth Valley has launched a major new strategy to ease pressure on the Emergency Department (ED) at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, following a board meeting on Tuesday. The plan, announced by Garry Fraser, Director of Acute Service, aims to address increasing attendances and a mismatch between patient demand and available workforce.
Current Challenges
The ED is operating under significant strain, with peak activity concentrated between late afternoon and midnight, and persistent high demand extending into overnight periods. The department regularly exceeds its normal operational capacity, leading to a crowded environment. Data shows current staffing levels are insufficient to provide consistent senior clinical decision-making across the full 24-hour period, causing delays in assessment and treatment, compromised patient flow, and increased workforce fatigue and retention challenges.
Workforce Expansion Plan
A detailed review of demand, benchmarking against national standards, patient acuity over 2025/26, and workforce modelling has identified a clear need to expand ED staffing. Consultant levels are lower than other NHS boards, and the board aims to resolve this through planned recruitment. The board endorsed recommendations to increase the workforce in the ED and support phase one implementation, costing £900,000 over the year.
Expected Benefits
Implementation is expected to deliver improved patient safety and experience, reduced overcrowding and waiting times, enhanced staff wellbeing and retention, and reduced reliance on agency and locum spend. The board will review phase one before deciding on continued funding, as it may cause a cost pressure within financial plans.
