Setting the context for our annual roundtable bringing together politicians and RCN members to discuss key issues in health and care, this briefing sets out our position on the urgent need for investment in all areas of community nursing, without which the Scottish government will not realise its long-held objective of shifting the balance of care into the community.   

Community nursing is an incredible area of the profession. To achieve its ambitions for the future, the Scottish government needs to capitalise on the opportunity to reshape community nursing into a more visible, valued and integral part of the health care system with a central role in reducing inequalities, preventing ill-health, and maximising independence.

Strengthening Scotland’s community nursing workforce is one of the best investments the government could make. They are key to delivering expert interventions to help people live healthier lives in their communities and prevent costly hospital admissions.

We are calling for: significant investment in the role of the registered nurse in community nursing; robust workforce planning; investment and support for community nurses to undertake NMC-accredited qualifications; recognition of the increasing acuity and complexity in care; expanded nursing student placements in community settings; investment in digital technology and training for staff; and introduction of a Digital Nursing Lead at Scottish government to drive improvements for the profession.