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The evidence based tools, which take into account professional judgement and local care standards, are already being used in some areas, but will be made mandatory in all health board areas from next year.

Health Secretary Alex Neil said:

"I am pleased to say that from next year nurses and midwife staffing levels in our hospitals will be informed by mandatory workload planning tools.

"We want to make sure that the right mix and numbers of staff are working in our hospitals and communities and these tools, designed in partnership with the RCN, will do just that.

"More people are being treated in the community and hospital stays are shorter than ever so the shape and size of the NHS workforce is changing. Even though this transition is improving our NHS, it is vital that changes continue to be led by in-depth and rigorous planning so we can make sure that the right numbers of the right staff group are working in the right place."

RCN Scotland Director Theresa Fyffe said:

"The RCN is very pleased that the tools will be mandatory for all health boards from April next year. The suite of workforce tools are fit for purpose but additional measures are required to ensure that adequate workforce planning takes place, and we are committed to continuing to work with the Scottish Government and employers to ensure that the tools are rolled out successfully.

"The pressure on the nursing workforce to deliver high-quality, person-centred care is greater than ever and it’s in everyone’s interests to get workforce planning right and that all decisions are taken in partnership. We support the workforce tools as a means to determine staffing levels, rather than making workforce decisions solely on the basis of affordability."