Staffing concerns escalation
Health Boards should ensure that there is straightforward and timely escalation process for nurses to report concerns about staffing numbers/skill mix.
How was this assessed?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedSection 4.1 of the Scottish Government's response highlights that the NMC code requires registered nurses and midwives to escalate concerns regarding patient safety or the level of care. To support this, a national whistleblowing policy, 'Implementing & Reviewing Whistleblowing Arrangements in NHSScotland,' is in place, requiring NHS boards to have local policies that meet or exceed its terms. Additionally, the NHSScotland Confidential Alert Line provides a dedicated freephone service for staff to report concerns about patient safety or malpractice, including when existing procedures have been exhausted.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019 (in force April 2024) includes statutory requirements for escalation when staffing falls below safe levels. Staffing decisions must account for patient acuity.
View detailed findings
The Act requires employers to have processes for reporting and escalating staffing concerns. Ministerial Annual Report monitors compliance.