The Scottish Government today announced nursing student intake figures for the academic year 2019/20.
Commenting on the news that the number of student nurses starting their course in the autumn is set to increase by nearly 8 per cent, Dr Donald Macaskill, Chief Executive of Scottish Care said:
“The independent care home sector employs nearly 10% of Scotland’s nurses. The sector is facing a critical shortage of nurses with an increase in vacancies over the last year and care homes struggling to recruit skilled nursing staff. Added to this is real concern over the impact of Brexit and any future immigration restrictions.
“The care home sector in Scotland needs more nurses.
“I am therefore pleased to welcome today’s announcement on student places for 2019/20.
“We are grateful that the Scottish Government has listened to our concerns and is working with Scottish Care and other partners to address both the immediate and future nursing challenges facing social care. This announcement together with other initiatives will begin to address the critical shortage which our care homes are facing.
“Nursing in a care home setting is a rewarding and immensely fulfilling profession and we look forward to ensuring that many of those who will start their training next year will see older people’s nursing as a priority for their careers.”
