Scotland's nurses check the political temperature ahead of elections

The Royal College of Nursing has called on Scotland's political parties to "improve the health service rather than focus on cuts" as they head into the elections.

Speaking ahead of a health hustings in Edinburgh tonight, where 200 nurses from across Scotland will quiz party health representatives looking for their vote, RCN Scotland director Theresa Fyffe said members will be keen to ensure the quality of nursing will be maintained.

She said: "The Scottish people - including our members - will want to know that despite cuts to services, nurses will still be able to deliver quality care to patients to enable them to lead as healthy a life as possible.

"The nursing workforce and investment in services are vital to achieving this. If savings are to be found, subsequent changes must ensure that patient care is still safe and effective."