The Nursery and Midwifery Taskforce has given 44 recommendations on how to improve working conditions for Scottish nurses and midwives.

Established by the Scottish government in 2023, the Nursery and Midwifery Taskforce aims to ensure Scotland is the best place for nurses and midwives to work. It is chaired by health secretary Neil Gray and brings together key stakeholders, such as the Royal Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery, to working with nursing and midwifery staff, understand the challenges they face, and recommend ways to improve the profession.

The Listening Project was one of the Taskforce’s key projects, which gathered insights from more than 4,000 nurses, midwives, students, and academics to shape future improvements. These findings from the Listening Project have led to 44 recommendations that are designed to improve recruitment and retention of staff and workplace conditions.

Some of these actions include: ensuring appropriate staff levels so staff can take their entitled breaks, reviewing data-inputting and paperwork protocols to reduce administrative work, developing national guidance on flexible working to promote a better work-life balance, and widening entry routes for nursing and midwifery careers.

The next stage of the Taskforce will revolve around implementation, with a dedicated group developing a detailed work plan and timeline that ensures these recommendations actions are rolled out effectively.

Mr Gray has accepted all 44 recommendations, and said: “Our nurses and midwives are the backbone of Scotland’s healthcare system and we are committed to ensuring they have the support, the flexibility and workplace conditions to thrive.

“The publication of the Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce report marks an important milestone; we have heard directly from staff about what matters most to them, and this has shaped the recommended actions which will deliver real change for nurses and midwives. I am very grateful to everyone who has taken the time to take part in this important piece of work. The Scottish government will now work with our partners to deliver the actions contained in the report.”