Independent health and social care in Scotland
Many of our members in Scotland are employed in independent health and social care (IHSC).
This includes members working in settings outside the NHS such as:
- Care homes
- Nursing agencies
- Independent hospitals
- General practices
As the voice of nursing, we’re committed to connecting, engaging and representing nursing staff, no matter what sector or setting you’re employed in. This page signposts to useful information and resources about IHSC in Scotland. For more general information about IHSC across the UK, please see our ‘Nursing across independent health and social care’ page.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please contact Carol Dale, our Lead Nurse for Independent Health and Social Care in Scotland, at Carol.Dale@rcn.org.uk.
Celebrating our IHSC members in Wales
Celebrate Care Home Open Week
Nurse of the year award 2024
Understanding the IHSC workforce in Scotland
Care homes make up the largest group of IHSC employers, with over half (56%) of nurses registered with the SSSC employed directly in care homes for adults. In addition to registered nurses, an estimated 33,480 care workers are working in adult care homes in Scotland.
Nursing agencies make up the next largest group of employers, employing 4 in 10 (39%) of nurses registered with the SSSC. These agencies supply significant numbers of staff to both the NHS and other IHSC settings.
Other employers include independent hospitals and hospices, general practices, care at home support services and prisons.
General nursing resources
Most of the resources on our website are relevant to all members – no matter what sector or setting you’re employed in. This includes many of our advice guides and subject guides, as well as the clinical information on RCN Learn.
Hear from our members in Wales
58
blog posts
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26 May 2023
What it means to be an RCN NI Network Lead
I joined the RCN membership in September 1983 as a pupil nurse and have maintained my membership throughout my nursing career. However, my engagement levels increased after I attended “The Leading For Care” programme in 2013.
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18 May 2023
Member power: reflections from the picket lines
As RCN Congress considers how members can build on the undeniable collective power of their voices to further strengthen their influence and positive public opinion, Nicky Hughes, RCN Wales Director of Nursing (Employment Relations) shares strike day highlights from members who were on the picket lines in December.
Page last updated - 27/06/2024
