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The worst winter that the NHS in Scotland has faced

Colin Poolman 11 Jan 2023

This week the First Minister has admitted that this winter is ‘without doubt the worst that the NHS in Scotland has faced’. 

NHS winter crisis
New data published yesterday shows our hospitals are at capacity.  In November almost 2,000 people who were well enough to leave hospital were stuck. On average, individuals spent an unnecessary extra 23 days in hospital, impacting on their recovery and adding pressure at every point of our health and social care system. 

Last week, almost half of those attending A&E departments had to wait more than four hours to be seen, treated, admitted or discharged. And nearly 5,000 people spent more than eight hours in an emergency department. 

It is you, our members, who are holding our health and social care services together, who are facing the daily battle to do your best for your patients and their families.  

The pressure this is putting on you is immense and underlines why we have such a strong mandate for strike action across NHS Scotland. 

We continue to share your experiences with Scottish government, to ensure they look past the numbers and see the impact this is having on people’s lives. 

We know the nursing workforce crisis is at the centre of these challenges, but nursing is also at the heart of the solution. Recognising and rewarding you fairly for your knowledge, safety critical skills and vital experience is a fundamental step to building the nursing workforce that Scotland needs. 

Discussions with Scottish government are continuing. We have clearly set out your expectations and what is needed to avert strike action. While we await their response, our strike planning continues. We will share our plans for action as soon as these are finalised but you can help us be as prepared as possible by ensuring your contact and employment details are correct and by familiarising yourself with our strike hub.  
Colin Poolman

Colin Poolman

RCN Scotland Director

Page last updated - 19/06/2023