NHS Scotland plans to recruit more than 400 nurses and midwives to new posts by next April

More than 400 nurses and midwives will be recruited into new posts in the NHS in Scotland by next April, workforce plans show.

The Scottish Government said NHS health boards in the country require 440.2 more whole time equivalent (WTE) nursing and midwifery posts in this financial year.

The highest projected increase is at NHS Tayside where a further 137.8 WTE posts will be created.

The nursing and midwifery workforce in NHS Scotland will grow from 59,351 to 59,791.2 by April 2017, an increase of 0.7%. 

Staffing levels hit record high

The total NHS workforce will grow by 764.8 WTE posts, from 138,193.8 to 138,958.6  – an increase of 0.6%. 

Scottish health secretary Shona Robison said: ‘These planned increases come on top of NHS staff numbers rising to record levels under this government, with more consultants, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals now delivering care for the people of Scotland.’

But RCN Scotland said government figures from June show there are 2,207.3 WTE vacant nursing and midwifery posts, representing a vacancy rate of 3.7%. 

RCN Scotland associate director Ellen Hudson said the widening gap in staffing is unsustainable and puts even more pressure on existing staff.

She added that the government must ensure health boards can invest in their nursing staff and must examine how services are delivered so they are sustainable in the future.

Further information

NHS Board Projected Staff in Post Changes for 2016/17