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Multi-million pound training pledge to district and general practice nurses in Scotland

Scottish Government announces development programme for community nurses
Community nursing funding

Scottish Government announces development programme for community nurses


Picture: Alamy

The Scottish Government will invest almost £7 million in nurse training as it seeks to expand the role of community nursing over the next three years.

The £6.9 million Primary Care Workforce Plan funds are divided into two areas:

  • £3 million investment in training and education for general practice nursing.
  • £3.9 million investment in training and education for district nurses to help sustain a 24/7 community nursing workforce.


Shona Robison
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Scottish health secretary Shona Robison said: ‘This will mean that more patients are treated in the community and ensure the sustainability of a multidisciplinary team approach.

Preparing for Brexit

‘Scotland is leading the way on workforce planning and I am proud we are the first nation in the UK to publish a plan that not only puts community care at its heart, but also helps prepare us for the expected challenges Brexit may bring for our workforce.’

RCN Scotland director Theresa Fyffe said the funding acknowledges the importance of community nurses.

‘We welcome the recognition that district nurses, advanced nurse practitioners and practice nurses are essential in providing safe, high-quality care in our communities and to the overall success of primary care services,’ she said.

Support district nursing 

Ms Fyffe said RCN Scotland was looking forward to further development of the community nursing workforce.

‘We will continue to work with the Scottish Government to support plans for further investment in the community workforce – and district nurses in particular – to meet the needs of patients and shift the balance of care from hospitals to our communities.’ 


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