“The RCN echoes this call for a collaborative and sustainably funded structure for our hospital system. Nurses and healthcare support workers don’t feel valued or supported and a change in the culture within the NHS is undoubtedly required.
“Any debate needs to recognise that our hospitals do not operate in isolation. Many of the problems of hospital capacity are as a result of a lack of health and social care resources within our communities. For example we have seen years of under investment in District Nursing teams, to care for people at home, preventing admission to hospital and supporting those who are in hospital to return home safely and quickly.
“Scotland needs an open and honest discussion about the level of investment required to meet growing demand, develop new ways of working and ensure we have the workforce we need to deliver safe and effective care across our hospitals and communities.”
