The dynamic effect on nursing of a changing health service

Abstract

This paper discusses the dynamic effects on nursing of a changing health service. Scotland's demography presents the profession with unique challenges around securing future services. The Government in Scotland's response has focused on increasing workforce numbers. Workforce dynamics will, however, impact on nursing workforce numbers as all public sector employers compete for a contracting pool of resource. Reserved UK powers for professional regulation and devolved Scottish powers for health and education, matched with specific Scottish laws, can facilitate the development of new roles and new ways of working. Many examples of role development exist and some are provided here.