POLICY: Loneliness and social isolation strategy

RCN Scotland recognises the potentially negative impact of social isolation and loneliness on people’s overall health and wellbeing and as such, we are pleased to see the strategy frame these as public health issues.

There are many positive actions within this strategy and the RCN is particularly pleased to see that engaging with, and enabling communities is recognised as a priority. We know that having the right support available in communities can make a big difference to people’s overall health and wellbeing. In line with this, we belive the stategy could go further in recognising the valuable role of community health and social care teams. The expertise and knowledge of community nursing teams should be incorporated into any local planning as these teams have a valuable understanding of the populations and communities they work in and are well placed to understand particular local needs and nuances.

If you have any comments or would like to find out more information then please contact the RCN Scotland Policy team by emailing them at policyscotland@rcn.org.uk or by filling in the attached feedback form and sending it to Policy, RCN Scotland, 42 South Oswald Road, Edinburgh, EH9 2HH