Politicians challenged on nursing priorities at RCN Scotland election hustings

Chaired by Helen Puttick, Scottish health correspondent at The Times, the event formed part of our The Gloves Are Off campaign, which is calling for bold government action on health and care, built around a strong nursing workforce.   

RCN members from across Scotland attended in person and online, and the cross-party panel comprised of: 

• Dame Jackie Baillie MSP, Scottish Labour deputy leader and spokesperson for Health and Social Care
• Neil Gray MSP, SNP Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
• Dr Sandesh Gulhane MSP, Scottish Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
• Gillian Mackay MSP, Scottish Green co-leader and Health, Social Care and Sport spokesperson
• Cllr Sally Pattle, Scottish Liberal Democrats’ Mental Health spokesperson
• Charles Turner, Reform UK candidate for Edinburgh Southern 

Safe staffing and Scotland's nursing workforce crisis dominated much of the discussion. Members challenged the panel on the continuing pressures created by staff shortages and recruitment and retention difficulties and highlighted the impact these have on the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care. The need to ensure that safe staffing requirements are met in practice, not just in legislation, was highlighted as a priority for the next Scottish government. 

Corridor care emerged as another key theme, with members describing the strain of caring for patients in inappropriate, overcrowded spaces. Politicians across the panel acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, while offering differing views on the reforms and investment required to address system-wide capacity challenges. 

The future of the nursing profession was also a major focus, with members calling for greater support for nursing students and highlighting financial hardship and the need for improved clinical learning environments when on placement. Panelists were asked how their parties would make nursing a more attractive career and ensure Scotland can recruit and retain the next generation of nurses. 

Other topics included last year’s Supreme Court judgment on the definition of ‘sex’ in the Equality Act and single-sex spaces in hospitals. The need for meaningful reform within social care was also discussed, with panelists agreeing that there needs to be greater recognition and reward for the social care workforce. 

Commenting Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Executive Director, said: 

“The future of the NHS and social care are repeatedly at the top of what matters most to the people of Scotland so thank you to our panel and RCN Scotland members for taking the time to participate in our hustings event. The discussion was interesting and challenging, and highlighted the scale of the challenge facing the next cohort of MSPs and Scottish government. 

“Last month we launched our manifesto for this election with a simple message – The Gloves are Off, nursing is ready to be heard. As the largest part of the workforce, it is not possible to turn things around and deliver sustainable health and care services without investing in registered nurses and nursing support workers.  

“Nursing is the solution to so many of the problems facing our health and care services. Expanding community and social care, prioritising prevention and helping people live well with long-term conditions - nursing is central to all of this. With the right recognition, support and investment, the profession will embrace innovation and drive change. 

“Ahead of the election our members expect clear, credible commitments from all parties to address the challenges facing the profession. But one of the key messages to come out of our hustings was that nursing staff are fed up of warm words and vague promises. The next Scottish government must deliver action.” 

A recording of the hustings is available to watch here.

RCN Scotland will respond to each of the main parties’ manifestos, and we encourage all of our members to engage in the political process and use their vote on 7 May.   

Find out more about our priorities for the next Scottish government, and how you can support our campaign, here.