Scottish Mental Health Nursing Review
The Mental Health Nursing Review report aims to enhance the conditions for mental health nursing to flourish in Scotland, now and in the future. The report was co-developed by mental health nurses, students, academics, with support from carers and people accessing mental health nursing care.
1. Executive Summary
The Scottish Mental Health Nursing Review (“the Review”) was announced by the Minister for Mental Wellbeing, Social Care and Sport in October 2023, with this commitment formally set out in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy’s Workforce Action plan.
Mental health nursing roles have transformed significantly. They work in a context of increasing demand for mental health services and reports of increasing complexity. Evidence also highlights the significant and positive impact of mental health nurses on people's lives.
The Scottish Mental Health Nursing Review report aims to enhance and support the conditions for mental health nursing to flourish in Scotland, now and in the future.
Human centred design principles informed the Review process. Three Advisory Groups set the direction and content of the Review report. This work was also supported by a literature review and our National Mental Health Nursing Conversations, which included engagement with over 1000 mental health nurses and students and views from those with lived and living experience and carers. This resulted in the report’s five overarching themes and it’s 24 recommendations.
1. Strengthening the contribution and impact of the mental health nursing profession
2. Mental health nursing leadership
3. Mental health nursing education and development
4. Nurturing the mental health nursing workforce
5. Rural and island considerations
Building on the recommendations of the Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce, this report will help ensure a flourishing, sustainable profession in Scotland. A profession where mental health nurses in all sectors are skilled and supported to provide early intervention, prevention, and recovery focused care, with a strong emphasis on relational impacts, equality, reducing stigma and promoting wellbeing.
This will be achieved through championing and embedding our Principles for Care and Practice, utilising collaborative approaches and innovation to meet our overarching Health and Social Care vision: a Scotland where people live longer, healthier and fulfilling lives.
Contact
Email: mhnursingreview@gov.scot