New legislation to support better health and care workforce
planning and delivery of frontline services comes into effect
from today (Monday). The Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland)
Act aims to ensure appropriate staffing levels are in place
across all health and care settings. It is the first such
multidisciplinary health staffing legislation to be enacted in
the UK.
Cabinet Secretary for NHS Recovery, Health and Social Care said:
“Today is a significant day for health and social care in
Scotland. This new Act, which forms a key part of our efforts to
reform and recover health and care, will ensure services are more
effective, efficient and sustainable. It will help put in place
systems and processes to allow real-time assessments of staffing
levels, meaning resources can be managed more easily, and that
people can get the right care, at the right time, in the right
place. The Act will also help to embed a culture of openness so
workers are informed about decisions relating to staffing and
feel able to raise any concerns.
“There was extensive consultation with trade unions, employers,
staff and other key partners during the passage of this
legislation. I would like to thank everyone who took part and
contributed to this process.”
Background
The Health and Care Staffing
(Scotland) Act.
