Responding to Liberal Democrats' analysis showing a record 420,000 patients waited more than 12 hours in A&E in 2023, Royal College of Nursing Director for England, Patricia Marquis, said:
“The government is refusing to get to grips with the crisis plaguing our NHS, leaving patients frightened and nurses overstretched.
“Behind the numbers are people suffering for hours – with no privacy and left in danger of their health drastically deteriorating. It’s undignified for patients and for nurses, who are doing everything possible but are left desperate by being unable to deliver safe care - let alone the outstanding care they want to give. Many finish their shifts with a profound sense of moral injury.
“The root of the problem goes far beyond A&E’s doors. This isn’t about more hospital beds, it’s about recruiting and retaining the nurses to staff them. It’s about investing in public health, as well as community and social care, so patients can avoid hospital and be discharged quicker.
“Ultimately, patients won’t get the care they deserve until the government commits to safe nurse staffing levels – but we will never be able to attract and keep enough nurses in the profession until the government pays them fairly.”
Ends
