A long-awaited workforce plan for all health and social in Scotland will be published next month, the health secretary has promised.

Jeane Freeman has told MSPs the forthcoming integrated workforce plan will include staffing forecasts for the coming ten to 15 year period.

It would also reflect how health and social care integration has created a need for more community healthcare workers, Ms Freeman said.

The statement follows a report earlier this week that highlighted a shortage of staff to diagnose cancers.

Cancer Research UK said “urgent action” was needed to build a “long-term” workforce.

The plan, initially due to be published at the end of 2017, has been repeatedly delayed.

Earlier this year Ms Freeman said publication had been pushed back to take account of Brexit.

Strategies already exist for NHS staff, social care and the primary care workforce.