Royal College of Nursing comments on funding announcement for NHS in England
Commenting on the announcement today by the Prime Minister of extra funding for the NHS in England, Dame Donna Kinnair, Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said:
"Unlocking money to spend on new buildings and facilities is a positive step, and will be supported most by nurses who have to work in cramped and outdated conditions. Every corner of our health and care services in England needs world-class facilities.
"However, after this announcement, nursing staff will look to the Prime Minister with even greater expectation of addressing the workforce crisis. When one in nine nurse jobs in England is unfilled, we expect the Prime Minister to make investment in the supply of nurses a priority, including at least £1bn extra each year to attract a new generation of nurses into education, which will benefit the NHS, social care and public health too.
"The Government needs a detailed strategy for increasing workforce numbers, and an end to the lack of legal accountability that has allowed the current crisis to happen".