Nurses will be pivotal in meeting health challenges, says nursing leader

Published: 20 November 2012

Nurses will have a pivotal role to play in meeting some of the health challenges facing Scotland’s population which have been highlighted in two reports published today.

The reports, from the Scottish Public Health Observatory and the Glasgow Centre for Population and Health, paint a mixed picture of the health of Scottish people. Both highlight notable improvements in Scottish mortality for a range of major conditions but also raise concerns about the health of the nation, particularly in relation to preventable ill health.

Commenting on the findings of the reports, RCN Scotland Director Theresa Fyffe said:

“It is excellent news that for some conditions, for example, bowel cancer, breast cancer in women and heart disease in men, we are seeing sustained long-term reductions in mortality. However, preventable problems, such as suicide in men and deaths in women from lung cancer, and mortality rates among 15-44 year olds, remain a major concern

“Nurses know as well as anyone that there are no easy solutions to these problems. A range of measures is needed to, for example, combat alcohol and drug misuse, help people stop smoking, and encourage people to adopt healthier diets and take more exercise. Nurses will be key in meeting these challenges which is why it is crucial that the Scottish Government and health boards halt the decline in nursing numbers now and ensure there are enough nurses qualifying in the future who are equipped with the right skills to help turn this situation around.” 

ENDS

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Notes to editors

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the world’s largest professional organisation and trade union for nursing staff, with members in the NHS, independent and voluntary sectors. RCN Scotland promotes patient and nursing interests by campaigning on issues that affect our members, shaping national health policies, representing members on practice and employment issues and providing members with learning and development opportunities.  With around 39,000 members in Scotland, we are the voice of nursing.