We’ve just launched our manifesto for the Scottish elections 2026, and our message is simple.

The gloves are off, nursing is ready to be heard.

Why are we taking this stance?

Five years on from the toughest, most challenging period most of us have or will ever experience, health and care services haven’t recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Instead, longstanding pressures have continued to compound workforce shortages and long waiting times, so that our members are working harder than ever while feeling less valued.

Corridor care is another symptom of a health and care system that has failed to respond to the growing and changing needs of the population. Once an emergency measure in exceptional circumstances, it has become normal practice. In reality, it’s anything but normal. It's unsafe and undignified for patients, and health and care leaders still lack a complete picture of the scale of the problem.

We didn’t join the nursing profession to spend every shift feeling like we’re unable to provide the best possible care to our patients. This cannot be solved by asking staff to continue to work under relentless pressure, feeling demoralised and undervalued.

The solution lies in investing in registered nurses and nursing support workers. This is a moment for bold government action on health and care, built around a strong nursing workforce.

With the right recognition, support and investment, the profession will embrace innovation and drive change. Nursing delivers expert care that helps people live healthier lives in their communities and prevents costly hospital admissions. When hospital care is needed, the evidence is clear: safe nurse staffing levels deliver better patient outcomes, shorter stays, and lower risk of readmission.

This isn’t just good for Scotland’s health - it’s good for public finances too.

Recent polling suggests that the public is with nursing staff on these issues.

The gloves are off does not mean downing tools. We are fiercely proud of our profession and care deeply about providing high quality care safely and effectively for the people of Scotland. This election, we want to ensure Scotland’s politicians and the next Scottish government value nursing properly.

So let’s all get behind this campaign, because Scotland’s health depends on us.

Visit The Gloves are Off webpages to find out more.