RCN Scotland said not enough nurses are being recruited

Figures from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) show that the number of recruits fell last year, in contrast with an increase in England and Wales.

RCN Scotland has urged the Scottish Executive to reconsider reducing the number of student nurses.

Delegates at a conference in Glasgow were told that the situation "won't improve any time soon".

Statistics showed that there were 64,915 nurses and midwives registered in Scotland.

There are only 215 more nurses in Scotland now than there were four years ago Jane McCready RCN Scotland

About 2,200 nurses were recruited this year, compared to 2,537 in 1991.

Speaking on the opening day of the NT Live Nursing Exhibition at Glasgow's SECC, RCN Scotland chair Jane McCready said nurses across the country were concerned about patient safety.

"There are only 215 more nurses in Scotland now than there were four years ago," she said.

"At a time when workload is increasing and the roles taken by nurses are expanding, this is simply not enough to meet the needs of patients."

She urged the executive to reconsider its decision to reduce the number of student nurses in Scotland.

"Slowly expanding the workforce is not enough," she added.

'Patient safety'

"Given the evidence, I would urge the executive to reconsider. Its decision was taken against the support of the RCN and will undoubtedly have an impact on the future growth of the nursing workforce.

"Nurses all over Scotland are saying that understaffing is affecting patient safety."

In June it emerged that the number of places for student nurses would be cut by at least 10% next year.

Despite concerns raised by RCN Scotland over the move, Health Minister Andy Kerr said it did not represent a cut in student nurse recruiting.

The minister said the number of nurses and students in training were both at an all-time high.