Professor Derek Bell

Speaking on the publication of the Scottish Government's Safe Staffing Bill, Professor Derek Bell, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh said:

“The medical workforce faces a number of challenges and the College recognises the need for safe and sustainable staffing levels throughout the NHS. We need to ensure that we continue to recruit and retain a world class workforce to deliver the best possible patient care, and it is important that we continue to support them with evidence-based workforce data to support planning.

"The introduction of safe staffing levels in legislation, based upon best evidence, along with improved workforce planning will help improve the quality of care. However, the legislation alone will not ensure our staff remain valued and motivated, and that colleagues have the time to care, time to train, and time to research. A coordinated and detailed approach is required across all levels – Government, Board, regional, and the integration authorities - to ensure that we have a world class clinical workforce providing the appropriate models of care. The College remains committed to working with the Scottish Government and healthcare partners throughout the legislative process to ensure that the Bill is fit for purpose and improves outcomes in the Scottish NHS.”

Notes: 

The Scottish Government published The Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Bill on Thursday 24th May

Keith Small

Contact: Keith Small k.small@rcpe.ac.uk 0131 247 3688