New NHS staffing laws will ‘force boards into consistent approach’

New laws to ensure safe staffing levels across the NHS will force boards to take a more consistent approach to hiring staff and making rotas, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has said.

Speaking to MSPs of Holyrood’s Health and Sport Committee, Freeman acknowledged that there were already mandatory staffing tools at regional health boards, but said they were not always being used.

She added she did “not have a lot of patience” with critics of the current tools, who she accused of having a “cannae be bothered” attitude.

“Although a requirement might be mandatory, it might not necessarily be followed because other pressures might get in the way,” she said.

“If we make the requirement a statutory one, everyone, including our health boards and their chairs, who are directly accountable to me, will understand that they have an obligation to ensure that that approach is taken consistently, across the board and social care providers, and also between boards. That will give all of us a much sounder basis for making decisions, based on workload, about what our workforce needs are and what the right skills mix is in any given circumstance.”

However, before the evidence session the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh warned more clarity was needed about what “appropriately” staffed meant for each board.

President Professor Derek Bell also warned that turnover rates and unfilled training places meant safe staffing could remain “a dream rather than a reality”.

“The medical workforce faces a number of challenges, and although the College welcomes the introduction of this Bill, legislation alone will not solve the current shortage of medical trainees and consultants. The Scottish Parliament cannot legislate doctors into existence,” he said.

“We acknowledge that tackling this shortage involves a wide range of stakeholders and a variety of issues, and we have for example urged the UK Government to allow increased overseas recruitment in a structured way to support recruitment and training.

“The College remains committed to working with the Scottish Government and healthcare partners throughout the legislative process, to ensure that Safe Staffing Bill is workable and improves outcomes in the Scottish NHS.”