Law passed to protect safe staffing levels in NHS

A new law ensuring safe levels of staffing in health and care has been passed unanimously at Holyrood.

The Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Bill was put forward following concerns about workforce planning in the NHS and by care providers.

The legislation puts enhanced existing workforce planning tools on a statutory footing, aiming to ensure safe and appropriate staffing levels.

A union welcomed the new law, but warned it would “not create new doctors”.

Health secretary Jeane Freeman said: “This is an important bill that will promote safe staffing across our NHS and social care services and in doing so improve patient experience.”

British Medical Association Scotland chairman Lewis Morrison said: “The NHS’S greatest asset is its staff.”