NHS Grampian KPMG report suggests cutting admin jobs using AI
A consultant-penned report has recommended that NHS Grampian use AI and other technology to slash potentially hundreds of admin jobs.
The report by KPMG was commissioned by the Scottish Government, after it ramped up controls over the health board in May over its finances, governance and leadership.
It stated that in the last five years the number of back office jobs increased by 18 per cent, a total of 271 extra jobs, due to new services introduced after Covid-19. This suggests that the figure has risen from 1480 to 1751.
The report recommended using technology, including AI, to cut the number of admin roles by 30 to 40 per cent in the next 12 to 36 months.
This could result in the total number of jobs falling by between 525 and 700 - saving up to £15.6 million.
KPMG said this was a “significant opportunity” for NHS Grampian, allowing the health board “drive efficiency and right-size headcount”.
Through their work elsewhere in the NHS, the consultants said that “many” junior bands and roles can be automated.
The report also recommended a range of other cuts, predicted to save between £14.8 and £26.7 million.
Among the savings proposed was a 40 per cent cut in the number of outpatient appointments.
KMPG stated that the cut would reverse a rise over the last five years, which happened even though waiting lists are still increasing.
The measure could save between £10 million and £15 million.
A full review of NHS Grampian’s staffing arrangements was also proposed by the auditors.
The report found that the number of staff at the health board had increased by 13.8 per cent in the last five years, despite the number of hospital beds dropping.
NHS Grampian has been subject to Stage 4 measures since May 2025, the second-highest level of oversight, and remains one step away from direct government control.
The Scottish Government has ordered the health board to keep its deficit below £45 million this year.
Documents released ahead of yesterday’s NHS Grampian Board meeting confirmed that, after the first five months of the year, it has recorded a £25.7 million overspend.
As a result, forecasts currently predict that NHS Grampian will miss its target by £4.2 million.
Health Secretary Neil Gray MSP also announced an extra £5.9 million in funding.
NHS Grampian chief executive Laura Skaife-Knight said: “I very much welcome the publication of the report and the independent assessment.
“It rightly and properly shines the spotlight on the key challenges that we face and from an NHS Grampian and system perspective.
“It will, and already is indeed, informing improvements many of which are already underway in the organisation.
“I think it's fair to say that this report is a really important assessment that is nothing other than helpful, in terms of further informing improvements that we need to make.
“When colleagues have an opportunity to read that report, and indeed our community do, you will see there are some real key themes.“