In a four-year period, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde workers spent a combined 15,315 days suspended with full pay.
Figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives have revealed that staff at the health board were suspended for 2,519 days with pay in 2022 and 5,748 in 2023.
The freedom of information data showed 5,769 days were lost to suspension in 2024 and 1,279 up to November this year.
It has cost the health board at least £915,224. However, the figure is likely to be higher as it is calculated as if all staff members are on a Band 2 salary – the lowest pay rate.
Dr Sandesh Gulhane, health spokesman for the Scottish Tories, said that while all staff members have a right to a fair hearing, the lengthy suspensions will be exacerbating challenges in the NHS.
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The figures also showed the average length of suspension with pay within the four-year period was 160 days.
Staff can be suspended from work for a number of reasons, including bullying and harassment, conduct and poor attendance.
The longest time an NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde worker was suspended with pay was 557 days, or a year and half, in 2023.
In total, 96 staff members were suspended with pay between 2022 and 2025.
The health board did not provide the complete figure of the number of staff ultimately terminated following suspension because the low figure could identify individuals.
However, up to 25 were sacked, including less than five staff members in 2022, eight in 2023, seven in 2024 and less than five this year.
Meanwhile, there are 19 staff at hospitals across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde that are currently suspended with pay, according to the data.
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Dr Gulhane, who is also a practising GP, said: “This is a shocking waste of taxpayers’ money.
“While everyone in the health service deserves a fair hearing while being under investigation, it is crucial that these are concluded as quickly as possible.
“These ongoing suspensions will undoubtedly be having an impact on our NHS which is already overstretched at a time when patients are crying out for support.
“Neil Gray must intervene to guarantee these complaints will progress quicker and at a minimal cost to the public purse, to help staff back onto the frontline sooner rather than later.”
Under NHS Scotland policy, staff placed on suspension are always entitled to full pay for matters of alleged conduct.
Suspension is supposed to be for the shortest period possible, with “exceptional circumstances” described as the reason why staff may be suspended for more than four calendar weeks.
A spokesperson for the health board said: “NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde follow national guidance and employment law in relation to staff investigations to ensure fairness. Suspension is used when necessary and is kept under review.
“We recognise the importance of concluding investigations as quickly as possible, and we work to minimise the time staff are away from their duties while ensuring that all cases are handled thoroughly and fairly.
“Our priority remains delivering safe care for patients while supporting our staff.”
The Scottish Government declined to comment.
There have been persistent challenges to workforce retention and recruitment in recent years.
Last week, a Future Medical Workforce Project report warned that without “decisive action” to tackle the workforce challenges in the NHS, the problem will “intensify by 2045”.