Responding to the latest NHS England winter performance data RCN Executive Director for England Patricia Marquis said:
“Sadly, health and social care services begin the new year as the last one ended, under pressure and under-staffed. The latest figures show soaring numbers of patients with flu being treated in over-stretched hospitals, demonstrating just how fragile the whole system is including community and primary care.
“Nursing staff know even more challenging conditions are on the horizon. They are deeply concerned there is no end in sight to patients being treated in corridors and care being compromised.
“Pressures on staff as well as for patients are becoming increasingly intolerable. Those on the frontline cannot continue this way. With the NHS under constant stress and social care left waiting for a solution, patients are now at risk all year round.”
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