What its most recent assessment is of the gynaecology workforce implementation gap that was identified by Audit Scotland; how many consulta…

Audit Scotland has highlighted a persistent gap between national workforce ambitions and delivery, including the need for improved workforce data and clearer implementation plans. The Scottish Government is working with NHS boards to address these issues through strengthened workforce planning and improved modelling.The information requested on how many obstetrics and gynaecology consultant vacancies there are in each NHS board is available on the TURAS NHS Education for Scotland workforce statistics site at: NHS Scotland workforce | Turas Data Intelligence (Vacancy tab).Data on locum-filled roles is not centrally held.On 20 January 2026 the Scottish Government published the Women’s Health Plan: Phase Two (2026
- 2029). Phase Two sets out the actions that we will take over the next three years to improve the health of women and girls in Scotland and commits to ensuring women and girls have timely access to gynaecological care.The development of this plan is in the early stages; therefore, it is not yet possible to provide any specific actions around the gynaecological workforce.The Scottish Government continues to focus on reducing long waits for all patients, including those awaiting gynaecology appointments and treatment, while a longer-term plan is developed.