Last week, RCN Scotland staff and members attended the SNP’s conference in Aberdeen (13 October), the Scottish Liberal Democrats conference in Glasgow (18 October) and the Scottish Green Party conference in Edinburgh (19 October). 

In Aberdeen, RCN Scotland Executive Director Colin Poolman joined the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray MSP and colleagues from Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Scotland for a panel discussion. Focusing on building a sustainable health and care system, the discussion considered the drivers of poor health and the practical steps that are needed to increase focus and investment on prevention and community care. 

Staff and members attended the Scottish Labour Party annual conference in February joining Dame Jackie Baillie MSP to discuss the steps required to create a sustainable health and social care workforce. 

Colin Poolman, Executive Director, RCN Scotland said:

“Sharing your voice and experiences with politicians is a key part of our influencing activity. This year the party conferences have given us the opportunity to talk to MSPs and party members about what nursing needs and to set the groundwork for our manifesto asks and election campaign. 

“We’ve been working with the RCN Scotland board to develop our campaign and will be looking to launch this early in the new year.”