The budget includes an increase to health and social care funding to reduce waiting lists, improve access to services and to progress with some of the previously stalled capital projects.
Earlier this week, Scotland’s Auditor General published his annual NHS in Scotland report which highlighted many missed commitments to reduce waiting lists and times, increases in delayed discharges and the lack of impact to date of initiatives to improve productivity and patient outcomes.
This report recognised the workforce as the NHS’s ‘most important asset’ and that, in the face of severe and increasing pressures, ‘a committed workforce has continued to work to deliver high-quality care’.
However, the Auditor General also echoed our concerns about the workforce crisis, stating: ‘The demands of a growing and ageing population on top of these pressures, as well as the ongoing backlog created by the pandemic, mean the current healthcare delivery model is not sustainable.’
Ahead of the Scottish budget we highlighted the significant cost of not investing in nursing both in terms of the long-term impact on service delivery, and the very real risk of harm to patients and residents being cared for today. We made it clear to the Scottish government that safe nurse staffing levels should be non-negotiable.
Responding to the Finance Secretary’s budget statement, RCN Scotland Director Colin Poolman said:
“Nursing staff in Scotland’s health and care services are working under unsustainable levels of pressure which is undermining their ability to provide the best possible care and is, ultimately, driving people out of the profession.
“They need to know that things are going to improve and today was the Scottish government’s opportunity to demonstrate that it understands that the current cycle of crisis cannot go on; a point that the Auditor General made clear in his report this week.
“Even with the additional funding, the Scottish government must face up to the significant challenge ahead and undertake an honest conversation with the public and the workforce about the long-term reform required across health and social care.
“Investment is badly needed to retain and recruit the nursing workforce that Scotland requires, and to create a safe, compassionate and rewarding working environment. The Scottish government led Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce is due to report soon and this must deliver positive change. Implementing the Taskforce’s recommendations will take time and resources, and it is disappointing that the budget has not prioritised delivering this vital work.”
The draft Budget will now be reviewed by MSPs from all parties and the Scottish government will be looking to secure a deal with one of the opposition parties to ensure the budget is passed when it is voted on in February.
