Rise in nursing numbers ‘not enough’

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 had not yet done enough to address pressures on the workforce.

The organisation made the comments as figures showed staff working in Scotland’s health service overall is expected to rise by one per cent this year.

Total staffing 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 – a one per cent rise for that field.