Taskforce report highlights recommended actions.
A taskforce has published 44 recommended actions on how to
improve working conditions for Scotland's nurses and midwives.
The Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce was established by the
Scottish Government in 2023 to build on efforts to make Scotland
the best place for nurses and midwives to work. Chaired by
Health Secretary , it brings together key
stakeholders, including the Royal Colleges of Nursing and
Midwifery, to engage with nursing and midwifery staff, understand
the challenges they face and recommend ways to improve the
profession.
A key part of this work was the Listening Project, which gathered
insights from more than 4,000 nurses, midwives, students and
academics to shape future improvements. The findings from the
Listening Project have led to 44 recommended actions designed to
improve recruitment and retention of staff and workplace
conditions.
These actions include:
- ensuring appropriate staffing levels so that all staff can
take the breaks they are entitled to
- reviewing data-inputting and paperwork requirements to reduce
the administrative burden on nurses and midwives
- developing national guidance on rostering and flexible
working to ensure better work-life balance
- ensuring nurses and midwives can participate in decision
making and planning
- widening entry routes into nursing and midwifery careers
The next stage of the taskforce will focus on implementation,
with a dedicated group developing a detailed work plan and
timeline that ensures these recommended actions are delivered
effectively.
Accepting all 44 recommendations, Cabinet Secretary for Health,
said:
“Our nurses and midwives are the backbone of Scotland's
healthcare system and we are committed to ensuring they have the
support, flexibility and workplace conditions to thrive.
“The publication of the Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce report
marks an important milestone; we have heard directly from staff
about what matters most to them, and this has shaped the
recommended actions which will deliver real change for nurses and
midwives. I am very grateful to everyone who has taken the time
to take part in this important piece of work. The Scottish
Government will now work with our partners to deliver the actions
contained in the report.”
Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Director, said:
“This is the culmination of two years of collaborative working,
and we welcome the recommended actions announced today. We see
this as a significant step and, as the implementation board
begins its work, the recommendations should provide a strategic
roadmap to begin to tackle the nursing retention and recruitment
challenges in Scotland.
“Implementation of the recommendations will take time and
investment, we look forward to playing a key role in the
Implementation Board to ensure delivery and enable Scottish
government to meet its aspiration of making Scotland the best
place for nurses and midwives to work.”
Background
The report and recommended
actions of the Ministerial Scottish Nursing and Midwifery
Taskforce - gov.scot
Listening Project: You
shared, we listened - gov.scot
Nursing and Midwifery
Taskforce - gov.scot
