NEARLY 2000 NHS Scotland staff have received training under a programme which helps them devote more time to patient care.

A report from the Releasing Time to Care (RTC) National Team, led by Healthcare Improvement Scotland and NHS Education for Scotland said more than 2000 staff had benefited from training.

The report says there is evidence the programme has led to savings and efficiencies in both time and money, and NHS boards were being urged to spread the RTC work into their mainstream activity, as well as health and social care integration work.

Fiona Cook, of Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said the programme was cutting edge.

She said: "No one can rival Scotland in the passion and commitment of NHS staff to enthusiastically embrace the principles of Releasing Time for Care."