13:30 - 14:45

In this session, Alex McMahon, Chief Nursing Officer will be discussing the work of the Ministerial Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce that will build on efforts to make Scotland the best place for nurses and midwives to come and work by developing plans for the retention of the existing workforce, as well as looking at recruitment.  

To build a sustainable, attractive, fair, flexible, respected and empowered workforce for the future, by addressing operational barriers, improving workforce conditions, facilities and learning opportunities and exemplary workforce cultures – all to aid the implementation of the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019.  

Delegates attending the session will hear how the Scottish Government and NHS Forth Valley are driving a supportive and enabling culture for the workforce. 

The session will also explore the aims and outcomes of NHS Forth Valley’s Workforce Wellbeing Plan and about the four-pillar approach they have adopted to support the financial, physical, mental and social wellbeing of their workforce. 

Dr Susan Ramsay, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, will also discuss the Occupational Health Service’s Mental Health Pilot Project - an innovative Occupational Health clinical service development aimed at increasing the offer of support available to staff by providing psychologically safe spaces to reflect upon the difficulties of recent years and acknowledge the impact on staff’s health and wellbeing.