Question reference: S6W-26635
- Asked by: Carol Mochan, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 3 April 2024
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Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 23 April 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether NHS boards have been offered sufficient support to implement the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019.
Answer
I can confirm that NHS Boards have received financial and policy support to implement the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019. This support has been ongoing since the Bill was enacted. Each NHS Board has been provided with funding for Workforce Leads (proportionate to the size of the Board) to support preparations for the commencement of the Act. This funding has been extended for an additional year to cover the financial year 2024-2025.
In addition to this, the Scottish Government has produced statutory guidance, in collaboration with Health Boards and other key stakeholders, which has offered clarity and better understanding of each duty within the Act. The Scottish Government has engaged extensively with Health Boards over the past two years through in-person and online events and quarterly reporting.
Healthcare Improvement Scotland has been commissioned by the Scottish Government to support NHS Boards, and its Healthcare Staffing Programme has provided support, including an advisor who works closely with each Board and hosting a network of meetings where Board representatives can come together and share learning.