Uncertainty caused by Brexit is directly affecting NHS Scotland's ability to attract new doctors and nurses, according to the health secretary.

Shona Robison claimed the UK Government's refusal to offer assurances for the citizenship status of EU medical workers means top talent is now looking for opportunities elsewhere.

Around 1400 doctors currently working in Scotland are from EU countries, with a further 4% of nurses and midwives and 2% of dentists in training also set to be affected.

The future availability of funding, EU-wide research programmes and freedom of movement are all key concerns for prospective recruits which must be clarified, Robison said.

Staffing levels in NHS Scotland will be debated in parliament on Tuesday after it was revealed government targets on A&E treatment times and delayed discharges were missed.

During the week ending October 30, 92.4% of patients attending emergency departments were seen and transferred or discharged within four hours, compared to the government's target of 95%.

Meanwhile, in September of this year, a total of 45,074 days were spent in hospital by patients delayed in their discharge, despite Robison's statement of intent in 2015 to eradicate the practice.

Appearing in front of the health and sport committee on Tuesday, Robison suggested incentives for staff trained in Scotland to remain in the country once their studies had been concluded could be one route to easing the strain on staffing.

One way to do this would be to waive a year's course fees in exchange for year's post-study service in the NHS, to stem the flow of nurses and doctors taking up positions abroad immediately after their training.

She did, however, concede such proposals were at a very early stage and required further consultation.

Speaking on the pressure that Brexit uncertainty is placing on NHS Scotland, Robison will tell parliament later: "Medical professionals from all over the world have played a vital and valued part in our NHS for decades.

"The fact that the UK Government can't give simple assurances that they will be welcome to stay in this country if we leave the EU is, frankly, unacceptable.

"This is hampering efforts now to recruit highly-skilled medical staff and care workers from outside this country - something that is extremely concerning in a highly competitive international recruitment market."

She will add: "There is a real risk we will lose many individuals, if we cannot provide reassurance on tuition fees, free movement and future career opportunities.

"The UK Government must stop using NHS staff from the EU as bargaining chips and I repeat the calls that we have already made for Scotland to be fully involved in negotiations between the UK Government and the EU - in the interests of protecting the health and social care workforce in Scotland."

Tuesday's parliamentary debate will also discuss the importance of retaining EU research programmes and EU-wide healthcare arrangements for Scottish citizens in the event of a "hard Brexit".