This parliamentary session, RCN Scotland is calling for nursing to be recognised as an investment, rather than viewed as a cost.

The evidence couldn’t be clearer. When there are enough nursing staff, with the right skills, in any care setting – patients are safer.

Every 10% increase in the number of registered nurses, is associated with a 7% drop in risk of death.

Yet, too often, staffing decisions are based on affordability rather than need. This is a false economy; the price of unsafe staffing is high, and this must be recognised as part of efforts to put our health and care services on a sustainable footing.

RCN Scotland priorities for the Programme for Government include:

• Don't waste the opportunity provided by the Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce
• Measure and eradicate care in inappropriate places (corridor care)
• Boost recruitment and retention by implementing the SNP manifesto commitment to improve career progression for nurses
• Staffing for safe and effective care – the need for nurse-to-patient ratios
• The need to invest in community services and prevention