A taskforce has given 44 recommendations to improve working conditions for nurses and midwives, including health visitors, school nurses and district nurses.
In 2023, the Scottish Government established the Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce in order to make Scotland the ‘best place’ for nurses and midwives to work. The taskforce is chaired by health secretary Neil Gray and consists of key stakeholders including Unite.
Over 4000 nurses gave their insight as a part of the Listening Project, culminating in the recommended actions to improve recruitment and retention of staff, as well as workplace conditions. Some of these recommendations include:
- Ensuring appropriate staffing levels
- Data-input and paperwork reviews to reduce administrative burden on nurses and midwives
- A national guidance on rostering and flexible working
- Ensuring nurses and midwives can participate in decision making and planning.
The next stage of the taskforce will focus on implementation.
Neil Gray said: ‘Our nurses and midwives are the backbone of Scotland’s healthcare system and we are committed to ensuring they have the support, flexibility and workplace conditions to thrive.’
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