Colin Poolman

“Scottish Government must do better in relation to engagement and communication. They must bring the workforce with them, if they are to have any chance of their proposals for change improving access and outcomes for patients.”

“What gets measured gets done and for too long there has been no national picture of the scale of the problem.”

“Research is not an optional extra for nursing but a fundamental part of delivering safe, effective and person-centred care.”

“The Scottish Government's plan stops short of setting out how corridor care will be measured, monitored and reported.”

“Technology is a support for nursing staff, not a substitute”

“However, it's clear from these figures that much more needs to be done to get that message across to potential applicants.”

“Failure to act is now no longer an option as, with increasing risk of harm to patients, inaction will lead to inevitable consequences for patients and staff.”

“When NHS nursing staff in Scotland say there is a high risk of harm to patients because staffing is below what is needed, the government must act.”

“This is a moment for bold government action on health and care, built around a strong nursing workforce.”

“The judges were inspired by her leadership to ensure she continues to champion the voice of the people she cares for. Her nomination stood out as exemplifying the very best of nursing in Scotland and we are proud to call Nicola our 2026 Nurse of the Year.”

“These procedures are increasingly popular but can lead to serious and lasting harm, particularly when they are not carried out in a safe, clinical setting by a highly trained professional.”

“The debate on assisted dying also highlighted the need to improve access to palliative care across Scotland and there is widespread consensus on the need for urgent and sustained investment in palliative and end-of-life care services. The next Scottish government must develop a sustainable funding model and address current high levels of unmet need.”

“These procedures are increasingly popular but can lead to serious and lasting harm, particularly when they are not carried out in a safe, clinical setting by a highly trained professional.”

“Will not be enough to deliver real change within the health and care system”

“Right now, these fundamentals are missing. Reports of patients waiting hours for admission, and staff working under relentless pressure, tell a very different story from the one being presented by the First Minister.”

“Scotland's communities rely on nursing. It is the biggest health and care workforce in the country. But our health and care services have depended too heavily, and for too long, on the goodwill of nursing staff, without the recognition, support and investment they deserve.”

“Claims that Scotland's A&E departments are operating "sustainably" do not reflect the reality patients and staff are facing every day.”

“It's simply not possible to address the issue of delayed discharge in Scotland's hospitals, without increasing capacity in community and care home settings.”

“It's simply not possible to address the issue of delayed discharge in Scotland's hospitals, without increasing capacity in community and care home settings. Delivering nursing care in the community is key, bringing care closer to the individual and reducing the pressure on acute hospitals.”

“It's simply not possible to address the issue of delayed discharge in Scotland's hospitals, without increasing capacity in community and care home settings.”

“It's simply not possible to address the issue of delayed discharge in Scotland's hospitals, without increasing capacity in community and care home settings.”