RCN warns over staff numbers

A projected rise in the number of nursing and midwifery staff working in Scotland’s NHS is not enough to keep pace with increasing patient demand, a representative body has warned.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland said ministers and health boards have not yet done enough to address pressures on the workforce.

The organisation made the comments as official figures showed the number of staff working in Scotland’s health service overall is expected to rise by 1% this year.

Total staffing across NHS boards is predicted to go up by 1,414 whole time equivalent (WTE) posts in the current financial year.

About two-fifths of the increase is expected to be felt in nursing and midwifery, which is due to get an extra 594 WTE positions –a1% rise for that field.

RCN Scotland said the increase does not go far enough.

Associate director Norman Provan said: “While most health boards are predicting a small increase in the number of nursing and midwifery staff over the coming year, it is clear this will not be enough to keep pace with increases in demand.”

The figures come around a month after public spending watchdog Audit Scotland warned the Scottish Government needed to urgently improve workforce planning if the NHS is to have sufficient staff to meet future demands.