Meeting of the Parliament 25 September 2018
We have made a commitment to the additional mental health workers, and we are working with the chief officers of the integration authorities on developing that commitment. That work includes obtaining detailed workforce plans that will provide information on workforce allocation, the location of the workforce in 2018-19 and details of the trajectory towards the total of 800 additional mental health professionals by 2021-22. We expect to receive those plans for further analysis by the October recess.
The integration authorities have devolved responsibility for health and social care in their areas. Therefore, it is key that they play their part in the plans, taking into account local needs. We are working in collaboration with other relevant partners to ensure the best use of the workforce. Local plans need to be made to meet the needs of local populations, and we will work effectively with partners to ensure that the workers are in place.
We have increased the number of nurse training places. As part of a wider package of measures to accelerate the supply of newly qualified nurses and midwives, there will be an additional 2,600 nursing and midwifery training places over the next four years. We are focusing on priority areas, including mental health and maternal and child health, and on remote areas, particularly in the north of Scotland.