Nurse union ‘frustrated’ as Scotland’s first minister quits
Nurse leaders have described their frustration at the current political turmoil in Scotland, as the country begins its search for a new first minister.
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in Scotland criticised the “ongoing political distractions and instability”, and urged the Scottish Government to refocus on the pressing issues facing health and care.
“Nurses and nursing support workers across Scotland are under pressure, understaffed and many are at breaking point”
Colin Poolman
It comes as Humza Yousaf announced yesterday that he would be stepping down as the Scottish National Party (SNP) leader and Scotland’s first minister once a successor had been found.
He quit ahead of two motions of no confidence in the Scottish Parliament, which were triggered by the collapse of a power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens.
Mr Yousaf confirmed in a statement yesterday that he would remain as first minister until a new SNP leader was selected.
He had held the position for just over a year, taking over from his predecessor Nicola Sturgeon.
The power-sharing deal between the SNP and Scottish Greens collapsed last week after the Scottish Government announced that it was going to scrap a major climate target.
However, being unable to form a coalition with another party, and with two confidence votes in him and his government tabled, Mr Yousaf announced that he would step down as first minister.
Speaking at a news conference yesterday in Bute House, Edinburgh, Mr Yousaf said: “After spending the weekend reflecting on what is best for the government and country I lead, I have concluded that repairing our relationships across the political divide can only be done with someone else at the helm.
“I intend to stand down as party leader.” Mr Yousaf added: “I have had the honour of serving in government for almost 12 years in a variety of roles.
“Although I am sad that my time as first minister is ending, I am so grateful and blessed for having the opportunity so few are afforded – to lead my country, and who could ask for a better country to lead than Scotland.”
Prior to becoming first minister, Mr Yousaf had served as Scotland’s cabinet secretary for health and social care since 2021.
During this time, he was instrumental in preventing nurse strike action in the country, by leading direct pay negotiations with health unions.
To date, Scotland continues to be the only country in the UK to have avoided strike action from nurses during the ongoing national pay dispute.
In addition, the implementation of the 2023-24 pay deal means that nurses in Scotland remain the best paid in the UK.
Following Mr Yousaf’s resignation, nurse leaders have now called on the Scottish Government to refocus on the issues facing health and care services in the country.
RCN Scotland director Colin Poolman said: “Nurses and nursing support workers across Scotland are under pressure, understaffed and many are at breaking point.
“They are frustrated by the ongoing political distractions and instability,” he said.
“They want to see the Scottish Government get to grips with the workforce crisis that is facing our health and social care services and focus on delivering safe and effective care for the people of Scotland.”
