Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland has today called for urgent action to increase staffing and support for nurses across Scotland as they release a report a survey of nursing & midwifery staff to coincide with the anniversary of a new act being passed setting safe workforce numbers.  

The professional organisation and trade union says staffing shortages continue to compromise care in Scotland, with almost 9 in 10 nursing staff reporting that staffing levels on their last shift were not sufficient to meet the needs of patients. 

More than 2,300 registered nurses, midwives, nursing support workers and nursing students working in health and care across Scotland responded to the survey in March. It reveals that less than 1 in 4 shifts actually had the planned number of registered nurses on shift and almost 70% responded that patient care was compromised as a result of insufficient staffing.  

Julie Lamberth, Chair of RCN Scotland Board, said: 

“Urgent action is needed to protect patient safety, address staff shortages and demonstrate that the nursing workforce is valued as a safety critical profession.” 

RCN Scotland represents over 40,000 members in Scotland and is calling for “urgent action to address the challenges facing the nursing workforce”, including the immediate implementation of the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act.

Ms Lamberth said the act has been delayed, but its enactment should entrench safe working conditions for healthcare workers in Scotland: 

“Three years ago today we thought progress was being made as Scotland’s ground-breaking safe staffing legislation received Royal Assent. 

“But three years on and members are telling us about the very real concerns they have for the safety of their patients and residents and their own wellbeing - yet the Act has still to be implemented.” 

Insufficient staffing has left nearly 40% of respondents in Scotland, unable to take their breaks during their most recent shift with 62% working additional time. This risks staff being pushed out of the profession, with 63% stating they felt exhausted and negative.  

RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Pat Cullen, has called for all governments in the UK to act: 

“To those from government listening to my words – we have had enough. The patients and those we care for have had enough. 

“We’re tired, fed up, demoralised and some of us are leaving the profession because we have lost hope.” 

The survey highlights similar concerns to those raised last month in a survey of midwifery staff where 9 in 10 said they were experiencing significant levels of work-related stress .

A community staff nurse from Scotland said in the RCN’s Nursing Under Unsustainable Pressures report said: 

“I absolutely love my job, but I’m so heartbroken by the fact that I know I can’t provide care I would like right now that I’m no longer sure that I can carry on myself without physically and mentally burning out. 

“I’m worried about the future for myself, my colleagues and most of all my patients and their loved ones.” 

Only 16% of respondents from Scotland agreed that on their last shift they had enough time to provide the level of care they themselves would like. 

Ms Cullen, RCN UK General Secretary and Chief Executive said the report on this survey “lays bare” the state of healthcare services. She added: 

“It shows the shortages that force you to go even more than the extra mile and that, when the shortages are greatest, you are forced to leave patient care undone. 

“Don’t ever think that it is normal to not have enough staff to meet the needs of patients. It is not. It is your professional duty to be concerned about unsafe staffing and we have your back. 

“25,000 registered nurses left last year – a sharp rise on the year before, at the very moment we cannot afford to lose a single individual. The pressure is too great and the reward too little.” 

RCN Scotland says that it is crucial that the government takes action now, including setting out a clear timetable for the implementation of the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act. 

To address the challenges facing nursing staff, urgent changes to provide fair pay, safe working conditions and improved data collection and staff planning for nurses in Scotland.

The Scottish government has been asked for a response. 

 

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