‘Perfect storm’ on way warn nurses

A “PERFECT storm” is brewing for the nursing workforce following a “boom and bust” approach to staffing, the profession has warned.

The Royal College of Nursing Scotland has called on ministers to take action, arguing that modest increases in staff are not keeping up with demand.

The number of nurses, midwives and health visitors rose by 1% between 2009 and 2015, up from 42,670 to 43,085. Vacancy rates for nursing posts rose from 3.7% to 4.2% in June 2016, the RCN said.

Meanwhile, student nurse intake numbers fell by a quarter between 2005 and 2012, dropping from 3,593 to 2,713. Numbers began to rise again in 2013/14.

The report also highlights pressures arising from the age profile of staff. In 2006, just over 40% were aged 45 or over, but in 2015 this had risen to well over half.