NHS Providers' report provides ominious warning for winter 2018/2019
Responding to the NHS Providers' report 'Steeling ourselves for winter 2018/19', Donna Kinnair, acting Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said:
“Staff are doing all they can, but demand is outstripping supply and winter 2018 could be the one that brings services to a standstill. The signs in the Providers’ report are ominous – increasing demand, worsening A&E performance and a yawning chasm in nurse numbers.
“Despite our warnings, the government has still not acted to fill the 41,000 nurse vacancies in England alone. This means we go into winter with understaffed services, gaps in hospital rotas and a workforce that is more under pressure than ever. Staff across England have given almost all they can - nurses tell us they cannot keep this up indefinitely.
“Budget day is approaching and the £20bn promised to the NHS presents a unique opportunity to respond to the clear signals that patient safety is at risk. This is the chance for the NHS and government to work together to produce a fully funded workforce plan, with investing in nursing higher education as a priority. This must be underpinned by legislation."
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NOTES TO EDITORS
A copy of the report can be found on the NHS Providers website.
