We are actively encouraging medical students to consider a long-term psychiatry career. We have created 42 additional posts in core psychiatry since 2014, and, with one exception, 100 per cent of entry-level posts have been filled for the fourth year.

The psychiatry recruitment and retention working group will report back to ministers in spring 2025. The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland is a critical partner in this work, and the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care is meeting with college representatives on Thursday. Ensuring the provision of high-quality and safe patient care remains our utmost priority.