VULNERABLE babies and new mums in Glasgow are being put at risk because of persistent health visitor shortages, union leaders have warned.

New documents seen by the Evening Times show NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is battling to cover its massive case load in the face of unfilled vacancies across the area. However, the problem is most acute in the city of Glasgow.

In the North-east and West, which cover some of the most deprived ­areas including Castle-milk, Springburn and Maryhill, there are 17 vacancies recorded by the board.

The papers repeatedly warn that health visitors are "working at full ­capacity and beyond", with bank staff being drafted in to plug gaps, "as available".

The health board has been unable to fill five of the 17 posts due to a "poor response" to adverts with the rest yet to be advertised. Five more vacancies are recorded in the South Side.

The main role of health visitors is to check on new mothers and their babies in their homes to make sure the infants are developing normally and not at risk.

Health sector union Unison has repeatedly warned about health visitor levels and the risk to patients in recent years and called for "urgent action".

The vacancies are due to retirement, resignations and maternity leave, as well as long-term sickness absence.

There are fears that families deemed the most vulnerable could be prioritised leaving others at risk.

Unison regional organiser Matt McLaughlin said: "Unison has been actively campaigning on the issue of health visitor staffing levels, case loads and safe practice for some time.

"Even we were surprised by the picture that this report paints. To openly record that health visitors are working beyond capacity is incredible. This seems to suggest that NHS bosses are acknowledging that the current workload is unsafe for staff and unsafe for children and new mothers. It is no wonder that some vacancies can't be filled."

A health board spokeswoman said: "There is currently a national shortage of health visitors and despite our best efforts we have been unable to fill the current 20 vacancies we have in Glasgow. We are continuing to make every effort to recruit."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We expect NHS Boards to plan their workforce, including health visitors, to meet the needs of their local population.

"The Scottish Government's priority is to ensure that all children have the best possible start in life. We recognise the important role that health visitors play in delivering local health services."

caroline.wilson@ eveningtimes.co.uk