Our manifesto calls on the next Scottish government to value nursing properly. At the launch, Scottish politicians heard directly from RCN members just why The Gloves are Off.

As we unveiled our manifesto, which presents nursing as the solution to many of the challenges facing the health and care system, members made it clear that it’s time for Scotland to stop relying on their goodwill.

Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jackie Baillie MSP, Scottish Labour health spokesperson, and Brian Whittle MSP, Scottish Conservative deputy health spokesperson, all heard firsthand how investment in fair pay, nurse education and staff wellbeing is essential to securing a sustainable nursing workforce for the future.

The manifesto was launched as new public polling suggests widespread concern that there are not enough nursing staff to provide safe and effective care.

More than three quarters (78%) of Scots believe there are not enough nursing staff to provide safe and effective care in Scotland’s health and care services, according to a new poll.

In a survey for the Royal College of Nursing Scotland, 77% agreed that the public values nursing staff for the work they do, but only 22% believe that the government recognises the value and contribution of nursing staff. 

Meanwhile, when it comes to staffing levels, 84% of respondents believe that nursing staff do not get to spend long enough with the patients they have and 86% said there should be mandatory minimum nurse-to-patient ratios for all health and care settings.

The findings support the calls in our manifesto, which sets out actions needed to tackle the issues facing the profession. We are calling on all Scotland’s political parties to commit to valuing nursing properly by recognising it as an investment not a cost. 

Launching the manifesto, Julie Ross, Chair of RCN Scotland Board, said:

“The next Scottish government must value the nursing workforce, ensure staffing for safe and effective care, invest in community services to deliver care closer to the individual, and support better health for everyone.

“Scotland’s communities rely on nursing; we are the biggest health and care workforce in the country. But our health and care services have depended too heavily, and for too long, on ourgoodwill , without the recognition, support and investment they deserve.  

“It is clear that the public agrees that more needs to be done to value the nursing profession.

“Scotland cannot build the sustainable nursing workforce it urgently needs by asking us to continue to work under relentless pressure while feeling demoralised and undervalued.

“Our manifesto is calling for bold action, not just more promises. By saying The Gloves are Off, we are not downing tools – we are signalling our intent to stand up, to be heard and to be counted as an asset for the future of our health and care services.”

Ahead of the election we are is encouraging members, politicians and the public to show their support to valuing nursing properly.