Humza Yousaf commits to looking at protected learning time for health professionals

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has committed to achieving protected learning time for health professionals at a Holyrood event.

Clare Morrison, director for Scotland at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, welcomed Yousaf's statement as "fantastic news for pharmacists".

Morrison called on the Scottish Government to undertake workforce planning for pharmacists "in the same way it does for doctors and nurses".

She highlighted ways to improve wellbeing such as mandating rest breaks for staff welfare and patient safety, enabling flexible working and portfolio careers, and protected learning time. 

The discussion took place at an SNP conference fringe event organised by Holyrood Communications and hosted by Holyrood magazine deputy editor Chris Marshall.

Morrison said: "I was absolutely delighted that the cabinet secretary said he is committed to achieving protected learning time and recognises its importance."

Yousaf told the fringe event he wanted protected learning time, adding that the issue had his "full attention".